The following are common questions frequently asked about Palliative and Hospice Care:
Dr. Edward Martin is the medical director of Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island. A graduate of Brown University School of Medicine, Dr. Martin has been with Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island for 14 years and with the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center since it opened in 1993. Dr. Martin is an expert in end-of-life issues and has provided the following answers to questions most frequently asked about Hospice Care. |
|
What does “palliative care” mean?
Will I be able to keep my own doctor?
How often will I receive a visit?
Will I be able to remain at home with hospice care instead of entering a hospital?
Is Hospice involved if a patient must enter the hospital?
What happens if the patient can no longer be cared for at home?
Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
Who pays for hospice care?
What does Medicare cover?
What does "palliative care" mean?
Palliative care is pain control and symptom management as opposed to aggressive treatment for cure. Palliative care can now include blood transfusions, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy if those therapies are prescribed to alleviate pain or enhance the quality of life as well as appropriate pain and symptom control medications. It does not include experimental procedures or extensive medical tests.
Will I be able to keep my own doctor?
Yes. Our HHCRI interdisciplinary team works directly with your own doctor to develop a plan of care that meets your individual needs.
How often will I receive a visit?
Each team creates your individual Plan of Care. The number of visits per week will vary for RNs, CNAs, social workers etc., but it will be based upon your needs and condition.
Will I be able to remain at home with hospice care instead of entering a hospital?
We make every attempt to keep patients at home. Sometimes that means sending a certified nurse assistant to help with personal care, a volunteer or social worker for emotional support, a nurse to monitor medications or the medical director to make a home visit. We do this as often as it’s necessary and at whatever time of day or night it is necessary.
Is Hospice involved if a patient must enter the hospital?
Absolutely. We remain involved while the patient is in the hospital – staying in touch with the family, visiting the patient, consulting with the physicians – and we also assist in discharge planning and reassessing the patient’s home care needs after their hospital stay is over.
What happens if the patient can no longer be cared for at home?
Sometimes, despite the best efforts of both hospice and the patient’s family, it is simply not possible to continue adequate care at home. The physical demands can become too difficult to fulfill, the patient might require round-the-clock monitoring or medical treatment, and sometimes a family is emotionally exhausted from the need for constant care. The Philip Hulitar Center was established for cases in which home care has ceased to be the best choice. It recreates a home-like environment but with full-time staff for personal care and pain management. Families and friends-even pets-are welcome any time.
Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
Yes. If a patient can return to aggressive therapy if his prognosis changes and the disease appears to be in remission.
Who pays for hospice care?
Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans will cover Hospice. Hospice care is also covered under Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance).
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers the following hospice services when the need is related to the admitting diagnosis:
-
Doctor services
-
Nursing care
-
Medical supplies (catheters, bandages, etc.)
-
Medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.)
-
Drugs for pain relief and symptom management
-
Short-term care in the hospital, including respite care
-
Home health aide
-
Physical and occupational therapy
-
Social work services
-
Speech therapy
-
Dietary counseling
-
Counseling to help you and your family with grief and loss
From The Medicare Hospice Benefits booklet published by The Health Care Financing Administration – The Federal Medicare Agency
|
