Hospice Frequently Asked Questions
Hospice Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hospice care?
Hospice care is a type of specialized care and support for people who have a life-limiting illness that is no longer responding to cure-oriented treatment or intervention. Rather than trying to cure the disease, we focus on:
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Help for families and caregivers.
Our goal as Hospice care providers is to promote quality of life as we manage pain and other symptoms. We strive for our patients to be able to spend their last days with dignity and comfort.
Who qualifies for Hospice care?
Hospice services are available to patients with life-limiting illnesses. A person may choose to start hospice when life expectancy is measured in weeks or months, instead of years. For clarification, it’s best to speak to your loved one’s doctor about hospice being an option. With a doctor’s confirmation and order of this diagnosis, a person qualifies for hospice.
Does my insurance cover Hospice Care?
Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most other private health insurances. For more information on your or your loved one’s health insurance coverage of hospice services, please contact (888) 501-6411.
What are some services included with Hospice care?
Among its major responsibilities, the healthcare team:
- Manages the patient’s symptoms Assists the patient with the emotional psychosocial and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care.
- Provides needed drugs, medical supplies, and equipment.
- Coaches the family on how to care for the patient.
- Delivers special services like physical therapy, speech therapy.
- Makes short-term inpatient care available when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, or the caregiver needs respite time.
- Provides bereavement care and counseling to family and friends.
Who can I expect to be making visits?
Our Hospice team consists of:
- Medical Director
- Skilled Nurses
- Medical Social Workers
- Spiritual Counselors
- Certified Hospice Aides
- Non-medical Volunteers
How does a Hospice Plan of care work?
After qualifying and electing to be on Hospice, a team of healthcare professionals led by a medical practitioner will create a plan of care specific to the patient’s needs. Care will be provided through intermittent scheduled visits by the team Plan of care changes as care condition progresses Care is accessible 24/7.
How does my doctor know about my care?
The doctor provides Bridges Health services with orders that describe your care needs. We communicate with your doctor regularly and notify him/her if there are any changes in your condition. Our hospice care professionals will communicate regularly with you, your doctor, your loved ones and each other to ensure your needs are met.