|
| |
| |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospice?
Do you only serve patients in Huntington?
When should hospice care be considered?
Who is eligible to receive hospice care?
Who pays for hospice care?
Do I have to leave my doctor's care to enter hospice?
Are all hospices part of the same organization?
What types of illness are cared for by hospice?
Is hospice care an option if the patient does not have a caregiver in the home?
Who goes to the Hospice House?
What is hospice?
Today, hospice is seen my many as a philosophy, rather than a place. The hospice approach to care is a comprehensive program for terminally ill patients to help them live to the fullest by meeting their physical, emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life. The goal of hospice is to help patients be as pain and symptom free as possible, so that they can enjoy life surrounded by loved ones. At Hospice of Huntington, we understand the effect a terminal illness can have upon a patient and family.
When hospice care is introduced in the early stages of a terminal illness, patients may find that their pain and symptoms are managed so effectively they are able to join in many activities they enjoyed prior to their illness.
Hospice services are provided wherever the patient may reside; at home, in a skilled nursing facility, or residential care facility.
Do you only serve patients in Huntington?
No. We care for patients living in Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln and Mason Counties in West Virginia and Lawrence County and surrounding areas in Ohio.
When should hospice care be considered?
At any time during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all options for care available to a patient, including hospice. The time may come when pain and other distressing symptoms interfere with a patient's daily life and normal routine. Hospice concentrates on comfort measures that may actually improve the patient's quality of life. The earlier hospice is involved, the more likely it is that a patient's final days, weeks or months can be comfortable and satisfying.
Who is eligible to receive hospice care?
Typically, hospice services are available when the doctor determines that the patient likely has six months or less to live, if the disease follows its normal course.
Who pays for hospice care?
Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Hospice of Huntington also cares for patients with limited or no insurance. To offset costs, we host a number of fundraising activities and events throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about ways of giving, please contact our Development Department at (304) 529-4217 or 1 (800) 788-5480.
Do I have to leave my doctor's care to enter hospice?
No. In fact, a patient's doctor will serve on the hospice team as the "attending physician." If your doctor would like more information, he or she can call (304) 529-4217 or 1 (800) 788-5480.
Are all hospices part of the same organization?
Most hospices across the country are not related to one another and not all are non-profit organizations. Hospice of Huntington is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. We have memberships with the Hospice Council of West Virginia and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
What types of illness are cared for by hospice?
Hospice care is provided for people who have any type of end-stage heart, lung, kidney and/or liver disease, Parkinson's, stroke, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), emphysema, Altzheimer's, and AIDS. Often, a patient may not have just one diagnosis that is end-stage, but may have multiple diagnoses that create a life-limiting condition.
Is hospice care an option if the patient does not have a caregiver in the home?
Yes. Hospice of Huntington accepts patients regardless of their caregiver situation. However, we encourage patients to create a plan to support their current and future needs using existing and outside resources.
Who goes to the Hospice House?
Patients are brought to the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House for reasons such as pain management and symptom control. They may also be admitted for respite care, which offers caregivers at home a much-needed break for up to five days at a time. Many of our patients are at the very end of their life and have made the choice to be in a peaceful and comfortable environment in those final days.
|
| |
|
