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FAQs

You asked. We answered.

    • Does Hosparus Health do anything to make death come sooner?

    • Hospice

    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.

    • Does Hosparus Health offer cremation or other funeral services?

    • Hospice

    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.

    • Does Hosparus Health provide any help to the family after the patient dies?

    • Hospice

    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.

    • Does hospice cover the cost of medications?

    • Hospice

    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.

    • Does someone need to be with the patient at all times?

    • Hospice

    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.

    • How do I prepare my home for hospice care?

    • Hospice

    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.

    • How does Hosparus Health manage pain and discomfort?

    • Hospice

    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.

    • How does the admission process work?

    • Hospice

    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.

    • How many family members or friends are needed to care for a patient at home?

    • Hospice

    The amount of care needed depends on the patient. One of the first things a hospice team will do is prepare an individualized care plan that will, among other things, address the amount of caregiving a patient needs, and determine who will provide this care. Hosparus Health staff visit regularly and are always accessible to answer questions and provide support.

    • What if a hospice patient gets better?

    • Hospice

    If the patient’s condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, Hosparus Health will discharge the patient, and he or she may receive other medical care. If a discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, the patient can be readmitted to the program.

    • What if I am hearing impaired or need an interpreter?

    • Hospice

    Hosparus Health provides interpreters to communicate with patients who have significant hearing loss or who cannot speak, read, write or understand the English language at a level that permits them to interact effectively with our staff members. We also will provide all vital documents in the requested primary language. These services are provided free of charge.

    • What if my doctor does not mention hospice?

    • Hospice

    The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy, or friends. We encourage everyone to prepare Advance Directives to describe the type of care they want to receive at the end of life.

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