When Do I Need Hospice?
Hospice care can begin when curative treatment is no longer expected to be effective. All hospice programs in Maryland have admission guidelines. Ask your hospice to share these with you.
Generally most hospices expect that:
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The patient has a medical diagnosis of an "end-stage disease". This means the attending physician has determined, with the patient/family, that nothing more is planned to cure the patient's disease.
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The patient has a life expectancy that is measured in months.
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The patient/family is ready for comfort care and ready to cease aggressive treatment aimed toward cure.
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There is a primary caregiver who is available to take care of the patient. The primary caregiver may be an individual family member, friend, or hired companion who accepts the 24-hour responsibility for the patient. This is especially important as the patient begins to require more care and supervision.
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The patient has an attending physician who is willing to certify the patient's diagnosis and prognosis and who is willing to work with the hospice team.
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The patient lives within the geographic location served by the local hospice program.
What Services Does Hospice Provide?
Hospice provides a comprehensive support system using an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals. All team members work closely with the patient's personal physician, who continues to direct the medical care.The Hospice team members include the following:
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Medical Director: Serves as consultant to the team as well as to the patient's personal physician.
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Nurses: Provide coordination of all care provided to the patient; are experts in the areas of pain control, symptom management, emotional counseling, teaching and support; arrange for and supervise additional help; assist with obtaining appropriate supplies and equipment.
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Social Workers: Provide emotional and psychological support for patients and families as needed; explain insurance coverage, explore financial assistance and assist with the use of community resources.
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Clergy: Available to the patient and family as desired; contact the patient/family's clergy as needed.
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Volunteers: Provide companionship; do shopping and errands; provide relief for the primary care giver(s).
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Home Health Aides: Are good listeners; provide personal care to the patients.
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Therapists: Occupational, speech, and physical therapies are available experts in the areas of pain control, symptom management, emotional counseling, teaching and support; arrange for and supervise additional help; assist with obtaining appropriate supplies and equipment.
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Bereavement Counselors: Families and friends can receive bereavement services through the hospice program months after the death of the patient. This assures the family of support through the major holidays and anniversaries during the following year.
Does Insurance Cover Hospice Care?
Medicare covers hospice care. More detail about the Medicare Hospice benefit is available from the Network or your local hospice program.
Many private insurance companies are now including hospice care as a benefit. It is important for you to call your claims agent for specifics about your policy.