Yes, we need volunteers throughout the organization. This can range from keeping files up to date, to helping with an event or fundraiser, to speaking to community groups about Hosparus Health services.
We believe in the collective wisdom of the group; this includes everyone, even you. As a participant, you commit to sharing, but you determine what, when, and how much.
Groups are powerful because they enable real-time sharing, expression, and questioning among individuals with similar experiences. Listening is essential for learning, but so is sharing—articulating our thoughts, feelings, questions, and experiences fosters learning not only for ourselves but also for others. Ensuring a safe environment for this sharing is the main responsibility of both the counselor and group members.
Hosparus does not prolong life or hasten death. The goal of hospice care is to relieve symptoms and keep the patient comfortable, while allowing death to occur naturally. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during the time of childbirth, Hosparus provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.
Hosparus Health doesn’t pay for cremation, but our social workers and chaplains can help families explore different cremation options for the families when needed. To learn about these options, ask your social worker or chaplain on your team, or you may call our local support number, 800-264-0521, so they can put you in touch with someone.
Absolutely. Bereavement services are available to the family for 13 months after the death free of charge. The Hosparus Health Grief Counseling Center’s skilled counselors offer a wide variety of programming and support for both adults and children.
Your insurance hospice benefit generally covers the cost of medications related to the terminal illness. Hosparus Health consults with a pharmacy specializing in medications needed by hospice patients for guidance in determining medications that are proven effective for relieving the symptoms experienced by people with life-limiting illnesses. Our hospice team will work with the patient’s doctor to get related medications changed to medications that are included in the hospice guidelines. Patients may decide to take other medications that are not covered by their hospice insurance benefits. In those cases, the patient is responsible for payment.
In the early weeks of care, it’s usually not necessary for someone to be with the patient all the time. As the patient becomes weaker and needs more assistance, Hosparus Health generally recommends someone be there continuously. While family and friends must provide most of the care, Hosparus Health volunteers are available to assist with errands and to provide respite for major caregivers. Hosparus Health social workers can also direct the family to other resources for caregiving.
Kentucky
Complaints are handled by the Office of the Inspector General, Division of Health Care. View this regional map to find the appropriate office for your region.
Eastern Branch
Phone: 859-246-2301
Fax: 859-246-2307
E-Mail: EEB.Complaints-Reports@ky.go
Western Branch
Phone: 270-889-6052
Fax: 270-889-6089
E-Mail: WEB.Complaints-Reports@ky.gov
Indiana
Complaints are handled by the Indiana Department of Health via their website or call the Medical Malpractice Division at 1-800-246-8909.
Your Hosparus Health team makes arrangements for medical equipment, such as a hospital bed, bedside commode, wheelchair or oxygen. Your team will also delivery supplies such as disposable pads, gloves and dressings, and if needed, other items related to your hospice plan of care.
You can call us at 502-456-5451 or 888-345-8197. Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Our hospice nurses and physicians are up-to-date on the latest medications and techniques for pain and symptom relief. Ongoing assessment and assistance are provided. Accurate, efficient follow-through with pharmacies assures that medications are available as needed.
Hosparus Health believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so we address this through social workers, chaplains and therapists. Additionally, musician volunteers and massage therapy volunteers are available for relaxation and emotional support. Certified nursing assistants provide help with bathing, skin care and many other practical needs of the patient.
A Hosparus Health admission nurse will visit to provide an overview of services and assess the patient for hospice medical eligibility. Once the patient/family have decided to accept hospice care, the admission nurse will address any immediate needs during his/her visit and discuss how the patient’s Hosparus Health team will be involved moving forward.