When is it Time for Hospice?
Anyone can make a hospice referral. This is important to remember when it comes to a life-limiting or life-threatening disease. It’s never an easy conversation, but simply learning about hospice can alleviate anxieties about it. It is never too soon to learn and explore all the options. We can move very quickly if it is an emergency but will never rush our patients or families. We will always move at their pace to ensure the admission process does not add stress to an already difficult situation. As with the patients under our care, we want our involvement to provide peace and comfort to patients and families learning about hospice. Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient resides: at home, a hospital, an assisted nursing facility, or a nursing facility.
How to Get Started
We are committed to providing the Cincinnati area with quality hospice care. We are here to help with any questions or concerns that may arise. Because we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quickly and make decisions that have a major impact on our patients and families lives.
Our admissions staff will:
- Answer any questions over the phone
- Schedule a nurse for an in-depth informational meeting and/or evaluation
- Consult a primary care physician or other healthcare providers to begin the evaluation process
- Explain what to expect as the process unfolds
Call us to learn about the benefits of early hospice referrals:
- Immediate physical, emotional, spiritual care
- Prevention of crises and/or unnecessary hospitalizations
- Ample time to build a strong bond with the hospice team to prepare for difficult times
FAQ
How much does hospice cost?
Medicare and Medicaid Benefits cover hospice at 100%. Most private insurances also cover with copays and deductibles.
Where does hospice occur?
Wherever a patient calls home. Hospice is provided in homes, apartments, assisted living, nursing homes, and hospitals.
How long can you be on hospice?
Medicare regulations state a patient must have a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course. However, a patient can remain on service longer if the hospice team finds the patient’s disease progression continues to meet criteria during periodic recertifications.
What questions should I ask when interviewing hospices?
- How often will clinical staff visit?
- What steps will be taken to ensure comfort and dignity when a patient nears death?
- What is the normal response time to emergencies and after hour calls?
What if I change my mind about choosing hospice care?
Patients and families can pursue aggressive treatment or change hospices at any time during care. You simply need to notify your provider and the necessary paperwork can be completed.
Does hospice cover Room and Board at a nursing facility?
No. Room and board is paid privately or covered through Medicaid or Long Term Care Insurance.
What is included in hospice care?
Medications related to the patient’s terminal diagnosis or comfort
Durable Medical Equipment (hospital bed, oxygen concentrator, wheelchairs, etc.) and supplies, including incontinence supplies. Visits from the hospice interdisciplinary team
What happens if I’m no longer appropriate for hospice?
Sometimes a patient improves to the degree where hospice is no longer appropriate. When this occurs, the patient and family is notified and a detailed discharge plan is made to ensure the patient’s needs continue to be met. A patient can return to hospice whenever they again become appropriate.
