Hospice FAQ’s
Who is eligible for Hospice Care?
Anyone with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease or condition runs its normal course. Even though a six-month life expectancy qualified a patient for Hospice care, Hospice care is not limited to six months. Many patients live longer than six months on our services, because their symptoms are so well managed.
When is the right time for Hospice services?
If you have received a terminal diagnosis from your physician, the sooner you contact Hospice, the more quality of life you will have. Research shows that patients who pursue Hospice earlier benefit the most – sometimes even extending their lives. As specialists in end-of-life care, our Hospice team will help your family and you cope with the medical, emotional and spiritual issues surrounding your diagnosis. We want you to live your life well for the rest of your life!
How do I get started?
Call us to find out if you or your loved one qualify for our services, or ask your physician for a Hospice referral. After we receive your physician’s referral, we will contact you to set up an admission to service, during which we discuss our program and learn your goals to develop your individualized plan of care.
Can I receive Hospice care in a nursing home or assisted living residence?
Hospice provides care at any place you call home — whether your own home, an assisted living residence, or a nursing home.
What services does Hospice provide?
Our services cover everything necessary to ensure your pain and symptom management, whether physical, emotional or spiritual pain. Your professional personal care team provides various levels of intervention and support during your journey with us, as well as bereavement counseling for your family. Hospice also provides any specialty equipment that might help with your care, such as an adjustable bed or wheelchair, as well as all medications directly related to your comfort.
Who is on my Hospice team?
Your Hospice care team consists of persons with specialty and experience in end-of-life care, including:
- Your nurse who works with your doctor to keep you physically comfortable and teaches you and your family how to handle your symptoms and medications;
- Your social worker who can help you with not only the emotional issues that arise at end of life, but also practical issues, such as advance directives, finances and transportation;
- Your spiritual care provider who will help explore and support where you find meaning, always respecting your beliefs and values;
- Your hospice aide who will help with your personal care, such as bathing and grooming;
- Your trained volunteer who can offer companionship or a break from caregiving for your loved one;
- Your bereavement counselor who can work with you or your family around grief issues, providing individual or support group counseling.
How often does the Hospice team visit?
As a visiting service, we coordinate a schedule based on your particular needs. Typically, your nurse will visit at least once a week and an aide twice a week, while the other team members visit less frequently. One of our main tasks is to educate you and your caregivers on how to manage your symptoms and keep you comfortable in between visits. And emergency nursing support is always available – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Who pays for Hospice?
Medicare and Medi-Cal fully cover all Hospice services, as do most private insurance companies. With private insurance companies, you may be responsible for your deductible or a co-pay, but we will determine any cost to you ahead of time. However, no one is turned away because of inability to pay or lack of insurance coverage. Through the generous support of donors in our community, our Hospice program and community bereavement services are available to all.
What do other people say about your hospice services?
We have a 99% family satisfaction rate for our hospice program, and our patient and physician satisfaction rates surpass state and national averages.
What can I do to help the NVHADS Hospice Program?
Tell your neighbors and friends about our services, or invite us to speak at your social, civic or religious group. Or you might consider giving your time and talents as one of our volunteers. Financial donations are always welcome, as they allow us to extend the helping hand of Hospice to everyone in our community.