Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my own Doctor?

Yes, in fact your physician will play a crucial role on the hospice team. Your doctor will work closely with hospice staff to develop a plan of care that best meets your individual needs and those of your family and caregivers. In addition, the hospice nurse will keep your doctor regularly informed about your condition and any changes that may be taking place.

What if my doctor hasn’t spoken to me about hospice?

Your doctor may feel that your condition is not yet appropriate for hospice. However it would be wise to request information about hospice before you need it, so that you can understand your options and access appropriate services when you want and need them. Feel free to raise the questions with your physician, who may appreciate that you have given the signal that this is a topic that you are willing to discuss. If you would like additional information, speak with a hospice staff member in your area.

Can I continue with my treatments and therapies?

Hospice specializes in palliative, or ‘comfort’ care, so treatments and therapies focus on controlling symptoms and managing pain, rather than attempting to cure, therefore curative treatments and therapies would cease. You should discuss with your physician which palliative treatments would be provided in your plan of care. Hospice care is not for the patient who wishes to continue aggressive curative treatment.

What is involved in a hospice admission?

Hospice staff will contact your physician to verify whether he/she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for you at this time. The physician must sign a certificate of terminal illness, however the patient, family member or friend can request hospice care. The patient will be asked to sign the consent and insurance forms. A liaison from the hospice will make the first visit to the home to discuss the details of the program with you and your family.

Will I be a burden on my family?

Many patients worry about this. Hospice staff provide considerable support to your family, helping them to manage your care in an environment of trust and respect. Many families describe their hospice experience as one of the most meaningful in their lives, a time when they strengthened relationships and captured valuable memories.

Will my personal beliefs be respected?

One of the founding philosophies of hospice involves an abiding respect for each individual’s unique values. All hospice team members appreciate diversity in cultural heritage, faith, spirituality, and lifestyle. If requested, hospice chaplains can provide an extra measure of support, offering spiritual comfort with an attitude of openness and acceptance on one’s beliefs.

Will I be in pain?

Pain isn’t always a side-effect of terminal illness. For more than 25 years, hospice doctors and nurses have dedicated themselves to providing the very best pain control and symptom management. With proper medication and management of an individual’s changing condition, the vast majority of hospice patients can live alert and pain-free throughout the course of an illness. Hospice clinical staff provide the best in pain management.

What if my family is unable to care for me?

Hospice understands that for a variety of reasons, some people do not have the option to stay with family who serve as primary caregivers. In such cases, you may choose to live in an extended care facility, or you may speak to your local hospice about special arrangements to meet your needs. Hospice staff will work with you to address your unique situation to ensure your safety and well-being.

What if I get better?

It is possible that your condition will improve to the point that you no longer need hospice, or where it again becomes appropriate to seek curative treatment. In such cases, your hospice team can discharge you from the hospice program and help you to transition to a different level of care. If you desire you may return to hospice services at any time.

 It is also possible that your life expectancy may exceed the six months originally anticipated when you became eligible for hospice. As long as your doctor and the hospice team certify that your condition is still appropriate for hospice, you may remain on the hospice program.

Who is eligible for Hospice?

Hospice serves patient’s with a terminal illness resulting in a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by the patient’s physician. Hospices are responsible for providing quality care regardless of diagnosis, age, gender, nationality, race, creed, sexual orientation, disability, or ability to pay. The patient makes the decision to choose hospice in partnership with his/her physician and the hospice team, after a thorough review of all care options.

What illinesses are served at the Hospice?

In the earliest years, hospice was associated primarily with a cancer diagnosis, however, hospice care has been made available to individuals with any life-limiting diagnosis including; Cardiac, and Respiratory diseases, Neurological diseases, AIDS, Liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Dementia and others.

If you are not certain whether your diagnosis is appropriate for hospice, speak with your doctor or a hospice professional in your community