Bethke Cancer Center
Hospice
WHAT IS HOSPICE?
Hospice care is part of the continuum of care for a patient. It addresses the physical, social and spiritual needs of patients during end-of-life care. The hospice care model utilizes a multidisciplinary team (including physicians, nurses, social workers, aides, hospice volunteers and chaplains) for providing care to patients and their families.
HOW DOES HOSPICE WORK?
Hospice combines medical, social, emotional, spiritual and support services to preserve dignity, integrity and comfort by:
- Emphasizing the management of physical and emotional pain so that patients can be comfortable and alert.
- Easing the anxiety, loneliness and fear of death through social, spiritual and psychological support as desired.
- Allowing most patients to remain in their own home during their final illness with appropriate medication, nursing assistance, supplies and ancillary support services.
- Providing access to a nurse available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to meet needs as they arise.
- Supporting families throughout the patient’s illness and the ensuing bereavement period.
- Providing a multi-disciplinary team of hospital-based professionals and trained volunteers who work closely with the patient’s physician to provide optimum care.
WHICH PATIENTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR HOSPICE?
Patients use hospice at a time in their illness when curative treatment is no longer being sought and when enhancing the quality of remaining life is a primary concern.
HOW DO YOU BECOME A PART OF A HOSPICE PROGRAM?
Many patients learn about hospice programs through their physician, nurses, social workers or other health care providers, friends or clergy, and others who have used hospice. During the decision making process, the hospice team works closely with the physician, the patient and family members to clearly define the options open to them. The patient, or the patient’s designated representative, is responsible for making the final decision to use hospice.
WHERE ARE HOSPICE SERVICES PROVIDED?
Hospice services can be provided in the patient’s home. The patient’s primary caregiver, with assistance from the hospice team, can provide most of the care in the familiar surroundings of the patient’s home. Hospice care can be provided in an inpatient hospice facility or at a skilled nursing facility.
WHO PAYS FOR HOSPICE SERVICES?
Most insurers, including Medicare, provide hospice benefits which cover part or all of the service of a hospice program at home. Coverage for inpatient hospice facilities need to be discussed with your insurance provider.
For more information, please call The Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts at 800-962-2973 or visit their website at www.hospicefed.org.
