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Can a Hospice of the Valley patient who shows signs of recovery resume regular medical treatment?
Certainly. If improvement in the condition occurs and the disease appears in remission, the patient can be discharged from hospice and return to getting regular treatment. If a discharged patient elects to return later to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance plans will cover it. Medicare allows people to go on and off hospice as needed.
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Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
Hospice of the Valley does nothing to speed up or slow down the dying process. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during the time of childbirth, so hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the natural dying process.
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Does hospice provide help to the family after the patient dies?
Hospice of the Valley provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Grief support groups are offered to anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a family member, a friend or a loved one.
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How difficult is caring for a dying loved one at home?
It is never easy and sometimes can be quite hard. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be very long, lonely and scary. Hospice of the Valley has staff available around the clock and on weekends to consult with the family and to make visits when needed. Inpatient hospice homes are available to patients whose needs can’t be met at home, or for families needing breaks from caregiving.
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How does hospice manage pain?
Hospice of the Valley nurses and doctors are experts on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. They are often joined by specialists schooled in music therapy, massage, nutrition counseling and other therapies. Hospice of the Valley believes that emotional and spiritual pain is just as real and in need of attention as physical pain. Counselors, including chaplains, are available to assist family members as well as patients.
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How many family members or friends does it take to care for a patient at home?
There is no set number. The Hospice of the Valley team prepares an individualized care plan that meets the needs and goals of the patient and family. Staff members visit regularly and are always accessible to answer questions and provide support.
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Is hospice care covered by insurance?
Hospice coverage is provided by Medicare nationwide, by Medicaid in most states, and by most private health insurance policies.
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Is Hospice of the Valley a place?
Hospice is a philosophy of care that focuses on maintaining the dignity and comfort of the patient and supporting the family. Most Hospice of the Valley patients are served in their own homes. Some are cared for in group homes or nursing homes. Hospice inpatient units also are available for patients whose needs or the needs of their family can be better met at an inpatient setting.
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Is Hospice of the Valley affiliated with any religious organization or other hospice?
Hospice of the Valley is an independent, free-standing organization, not affiliated with any other hospice in the state or country. It serves a broad community and does not require patients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs.
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Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?
Hospice of the Valley will assess your needs, recommend any necessary equipment and help make arrangements to obtain it. Equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen and hospital beds are covered by the Medicare hospice benefit and insurance plans.
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Should I wait for our physician to suggest the possibility of hospice, or should I bring it up first?
The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy, and friends.
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What does the admission process involve?
A phone call to Hospice of the Valley -- 602.530.6900 -- is all that is needed to begin the admission process. The agency will contact the patient’s physician for confirmation that hospice care is appropriate for the patient at this time.
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What if I do not have insurance or enough personal income to pay for services?
Hospice of the Valley is a not-for-profit agency that serves all regardless of ability to pay. Everyone gets the same high quality care.
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What if our physician doesn’t know about hospice?
If your physician wants more information, we invite him or her to call us at 602.530.6900. Or you may call us, and we will contact your physician.
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What is Hospice of the Valley’s success rate in battling pain?
With a combination of medications, counseling and therapies, most patients can attain a level of comfort that is acceptable to them.
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When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made, and who should make it?
It is
appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice, at
any time during a life-limiting illness. The decision belongs to the patient.
Hospice of the Valley staff members are available to facilitate the discussion.
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Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what is happening?
Usually not. It is the goal of Hospice of the Valley to help patients be as comfortable and alert as they desire.
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Will my doctor still be my doctor once I am on hospice care?
Hospice of the Valley functions as an extension of, not in place of, the patient’s attending physician. The agency also has medical directors available to help patients who have no physician or need physician home visits.
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