Programs for Your Patients
Hospice Care
If your best estimate places your patient's life expectancy at six months, they are eligible for hospice. However, Medicare specifically states that the referring physician is not to be penalized if a patient lives much longer. Many studies show that prognosticating in non-cancer patients is often inaccurate, and Medicare and other insurance plans recognize this.
If the family is frightened by the word "hospice," reassure them that this is an insurance benefit to which they are entitled that will help their loved one remain comfortable at home.
You can assure them by noting that 10 percent of hospice patients nationwide "graduate" from hospice because of the superb care they receive. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management reported that people who chose hospice care lived on average 29 days longer than those who didn't.
Hospice Home Health
For Medicare patients, Hospice of the Valley has a Medicare-certified home health program that often serves as a transition to hospice. Our staff is highly skilled in symptom management and palliative care. If your patient is not ready for hospice but has a need for skilled services, refer to this program.
H.O.M.E. - Helping Our Memory-Impaired Elders
This home health program for Medicare patients is designed specifically for persons with dementia, particularly those with behavioral problems, and their caregivers. The nationally recognized award-winning H.O.M.E. program staff go into the home and teach caregivers state-of-the-art behavioral management, give help with social issues, discuss advance directives, review medications and provide support for families. Services usually are given for two to three months.
Outreach
This free program provides in-home social work support to help with resources and decision-making for your seriously ill patients who are either medically ineligible or psychologically unprepared for hospice care.
To find out if your patient is eligible for one of these programs, contact a Hospice of the Valley medical director.