Focusing on what matters most as time grows short: How hospice can help
By Elizabeth Hart, MD, Hospice Medical Director/Director of Medical Services
The first thing that many of us think about when we hear the word “hospice” is a place where terminally ill people go to die. Many people also think hospice is only for people who are in the last days of their life. These are both misunderstandings as hospice is so much more. Hospice offers compassionate care to those with serious illnesses; most often this care is provided in the patient’s home. Hospice focuses on quality of life as defined by the patient and family, so that the patient may live as fully as possible for whatever time they have left, focusing on what is most meaningful to them.
What is the approach to care offered by hospice?
The hospice team provides pain and symptom management for the person living with a terminal illness and emotional and spiritual support for the patient and their loved ones/caregivers. The patient’s care team creates an individualized plan of care to ensure comfort, prioritizing what matters most to the patient. Care focuses on supporting the family and caregivers as well as on the patient.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice comes to the patient. Hospice care may be provided in the patient’s home, which might be a private residence, an assisted living facility or a nursing home. For patients whose symptoms cannot be effectively managed in one of these settings, hospice may also be provided in a hospital or an inpatient hospice facility. Inpatient hospice facilities are designed to be welcoming environments with room for the patient’s loved ones to stay with them to offer support and to enjoy time together, when it matters most.
Who are the members of the Hospice Team?
Hospice care is provided by a specialized team with expertise in supporting patients facing serious illness and their families. The Hospice Team includes nurses, home health aides, chaplains, social workers, and hospice volunteers.
Who qualifies for hospice?
Hospice is generally available to people living with advanced illness, whose medical providers think the patient has less than six months to live if the disease follows its usual course.
Who does hospice care serve?
While the patient is the primary focus, the care provided also supports the patient’s loved ones and caregivers. The goals of hospice care are to both make the patient comfortable and to make the end-of-life experience as comfortable and peaceful as possible for those around them.
Who pays for hospice care?
Hospice care is covered by Medicare, MaineCare, and most private insurances. Some hospice care providers, like Andwell Health Partners, provide services regardless of ability to pay.
If you are interested in learning more about hospice and hospice care options, or have any questions, please contact us.
