Dying holds a level of uncertainty. Many are afraid of pain. Some are afraid of who will care for their loved ones or pets when they are gone. It is a common fear to feel like we haven’t done enough. Hospice professionals are trained to guide you and your loved ones through the final stages of life, addressing all of your concerns so that remaining time can be enjoyed. Hospice see’s patients in many different settings – at their home, assisted living, nursing home and occasionally in the hospital.
Hospice is a philosophy of care. It is palliative, not curative. It is an underutilized service that has changed greatly since its inception. Amazing Grace Hospice is here to educate the public on what hospice is and the wonderful things it can provide to the patient and their loved ones during a very difficult and emotional time.
When a patient and their family choose hospice care, a decision has been made to allow the body to follow its' natural journey through end of life. This is not to say a patient cannot come off hospice care. If at any time a patient wants to seek aggressive measures during their hospice journey, they can simply revoke services and resume treatment for their illness. Also, should the patient’s health improve whereby not meeting hospice eligibility, they will graduate from the program. Hospice benefits can be reinstated at a later time if the patient’s health again declines.
Hospice care is 100% covered by Medicare Part A as well as most Medicaid and private insurance plans. Under the benefit the patient will receive the following:
- Durable Medical equipment "related to the hospice diagnosis” such as electric beds, specialty mattresses, wheelchairs and oxygen, to name a few.
- Supplies such as those for incontinence care.
- Medications used to manage symptoms related to the hospice diagnosis as well as those to relieve pain and promote comfort (ex. constipation, anxiety, sleeplessness and shortness of breath, to name a few).
- Bereavement support for up to 13 months following the loss of a loved one on hospice.
- Hospice offers four levels of care which are available as needed by the patient and family.
- Routine Care- Scheduled and after hour visits by all disciplines to include physicians, RN Case Managers, hospice aides, Social Workers, Chaplains (nondenominational) and volunteers.
- Respite Care - For patients at home. Provides up to 5 days of care at a licensed and skilled nursing facility to provide the family a much needed break.
- Crisis Care – Placement of a nurse at patient’s bedside To treat uncontrolled symptoms. Routine care resumes when patient becomes stable.
- In-Patient - If symptoms cannot be controlled through crisis care the patient has the option of going to a contracted in-patient hospice facility for a short term stay.
When seeking a hospice some good questions to ask:
- Are you Joint Commission Accredited? This is not mandatory, however, it is recognized as the Gold Seal of Approval in Healthcare and holds the hospice to a higher standard of care.
- How often do your nurses make visits with the patients on a routine basis?
- How quickly will your team arrive when a change in condition with the patient or a crisis situation is reported?
- What level of communication do you provide to our family and amongst your team?
Most importantly, your loved one and family deserve the highest level of care, support and respect. You make the final decision on what is best for your family.
Jodi Lavin
Community Liaison
Amazing Grace Hospice
5502 Fourth Street
Katy, Texas 77493
O:832-437-2089
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