Exploring Choices in Care During National Hospice Month

November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, a time not only to recognize the professionals who provide care at the end of life, but also a time to discuss with your loved ones what your care at the end of life might look like. If you have never had a family member on hospice, you might not know the wonderful services that hospice can provide. Hospice is focused on comfort and quality of life, and treats the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Hospice care is provided wherever a patient resides and is covered by Medicare, AHCCCS and most other insurance plans. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team that includes the patient’s primary provider, a hospice medical director, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, spiritual counselors and volunteers. Bereavement counseling is offered to the patient and family. In addition to the caring professionals provided by hospice, other services include medication for symptom management and pain relief, medical equipment such as oxygen, a hospital bed or a wheelchair and supplies, as appropriate for the patient’s care.

Patients looking at hospice care may have a wide range of diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s Disease, heart or lung disease or cancer. Regardless of a patient’s age or condition, hospice care is available for anyone with a life-limiting illness. If you are looking for information about hospice services, you should not hesitate to call a hospice and ask to speak to someone. Sometimes we just know that we need help but are not sure what we need or what is available. The determination that a patient is appropriate for hospice care is made by the hospice medical director and a patient’s own health care provider.

One important thing to remember is that you have a choice. You choose the hospice provider you want to provide care for you or your loved one. Some hospices are non-profit and some are for-profit. Patients who do not have insurance should not hesitate to seek help. One of the first things a hospice will do is determine if the patient is eligible for coverage that they may not be aware of. Additionally, some hospices may care for those who cannot pay. Even if you do not have a referral from a provider, you can still reach out to start the process.

Be an informed consumer and talk to different agencies. Ask questions, for example, about what to do for help after hours, how visits are scheduled, how often hospice staff members visit, how medications and supplies are delivered. Although hospice providers follow the same Medicare requirements, care and services can vary from one hospice to another. Some hospices have special programs such as pet therapy or music therapy that are above and beyond the Medicare requirements.

Choosing a compassionate, professional hospice is an important decision. Examining your options earlier is always best. Flagstaff local Joni says of the hospice care provided for her loved one “…the hospice team worked with us to make sure his final days were as happy and comfortable as possible.”

This time at the end of life is often difficult and stressful, but hospice is there with care and support so that patients and loved ones can find meaning and peace. FBN

By Katherine Simmons

Katherine Simmons is the CEO of Northland Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc, which includes the Olivia White Hospice Home assisted living home, and the HodgePodge Thrift Store.

Northland Hospice is Northern Arizona’s only non-profit hospice, serving the community since 1983. Our mission: Northland Hospice & Palliative Care is a non-profit community-based organization committed to excellence in end of life and comfort care. Our many community fundraising events throughout the year support our care for patients without the means to pay. For assistance or information on hospice services, or to volunteer, please contact Katherine at 928-779-1227 or KSimmons@northlandhospice.org.