FAMILY GUIDE TO HOSPICE CARE
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HOSPICE IS ABOUT LIVING LIFE AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE.
IN FACT, PATIENTS AND FAMILIES RECEIVE THE GREATEST
BENEFIT WHEN HOSPICE CARE IS STARTED EARLY.
WHEN SHOULD WE START THINKING ABOUT HOSPICE CARE?
When there are no more treatment options to cure your family
member’s disease, hospice becomes an option. With hospice,
the focus is on comfort and quality of life.
Hospice may be the best option when you and your family member
decide that treatment meant to cure is not worth its side effects, pain,
and suffering. It helps to make the choice for hospice sooner rather than
later.
WHO DECIDES ABOUT HOSPICE CARE?
As the family caregiver, you and your family member are the ones
to decide about seeking hospice care. Many people find that it helps
to make this choice only after talking with other family members,
doctors, and caregivers. You must freely make the choice – meaning
that no one can force you to accept hospice care.
Your doctor may be the first one to suggest hospice care. Or
you may be the first to mention it. Please do not be afraid to
talk about hospice. Once the decision is made for hospice care,
a doctor must sign an order requesting it.
WHO PAYS FOR HOSPICE CARE?
If the patient has Medicare Part A coverage, the Medicare Hospice
Benefit pays for professional fees, medical equipment, and
medication. Hospice patients can keep getting Medicare benefits to
treat health problems other than the terminal illness.
Most private health insurance plans pay for hospice and follow
Medicare guidelines. State Medicaid programs pay for hospice
services as well. Insurance eligibility can be checked by Hospice
Agency or calling your insurance.
Services
Below are some of the services that can be provided by Samaritan Hospice Care
Physician
A hospice doctor approves patients for hospice admission, oversees patients’ hospice care teams, and re-certifies patients for continued hospice care. These physicians are available to visit patients as needed, and to consult with patients’ personal doctors and other physicians in the community.
Nursing
Will create a plan of care, discuss and explain your prognosis, monitor breathing and vitals, provide education on administering medications, perform wound care, and more.
Health Aide
Will assist with activities of daily living such as hygiene, bathing, light meals, walking, getting out of bed, and more.
Social Worker
Will help you understand your life circumstances and goals, assist you with your advance directive, connect you with other community resources, and more.
Spiritual Counseling
Will encourage meaningful life review, explore spiritual concerns, make sense out of life’s changes, and more.
Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapist
Therapists help patients maintain self-identity, achieve a comfort level, and best utilize their remaining abilities as the gradual decline in functional abilities, roles, and expectations happens.
ABOUT US
At Samaritan Hospice Care, your comfort is our ultimate concern. We have provided our patients with specialized health care services catered to fit their needs. Samaritan Hospice Care cares about your health, as our patients’ wellbeing and comfort is our main priority. Please call us if you have any questions. We are available to answer your questions 24/7.
Open 24/7
Accepting all major
insurance plans
Same day admission
No appointment needed
INSURANCE
We accept the following insurance plans and many more
