FACT: Hospice does not mean giving up hope. It means giving your loved one an enhanced quality of life as they transition through life.  Hospice is based on comfort regardless of where the individual is in their life cycle. Hospice experts are trained to provide care and services that help patients and their families live a more full and complete life without pain and suffering.

FACT: Hospice care is designed to help patients who have been diagnosed with severe or terminal illness, who have been told that they are at risk for end of life within 6 months, feel more comfortable as they and their loved ones cope with this very difficult time in their lives.

FACT: Physicians are typically waiting for you or your family to bring up the topic of Hospice Care. This discussion may never occur or may take place at a critical time when it is stressful because doctors, however well intentioned, have a tendancy to make fighting the illness a higher priority than the comfort and well being of the patient. You or your family can request a Hospice Eligibility Evaluation at anytime.  During this evaluation, the admissions nurse discusses eligibility and care options.  If you choose to elect hospice, the nurse will obtain the necessary orders to provide Hospice Care. 

FACT: A patient receiving hospice services may go to the hospital. Although, the hospice should be notified prior to transport so that we can notify the hospital billing office of the correct way to submit the bill. This eliminates the possibility of losing the hospice benefit and allows the hospice to determine if hospitalization is related to the terminal illness. However, hospice care is directed toward maintaining the patient and keeping them comfortable in his or her usual living arrangement.

FACT: Hospice physicians work closely with your doctor of choice to develop a plan of care. If the patient does not have a primary care physician, hospice can provide medical services.