WHAT IS HOSPICE CARE?

Hospice care is a specialized holistic team approach that focuses on providing comfort, support, and pain management for individuals facing a life-limiting illness. At Caring Like Family Hospice, we believe in creating a warm and nurturing environment where you and your loved ones can find solace and peace. Our compassionate team is here to address your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring that every moment is spent with dignity and surrounded by the care and support you deserve.

MANAGING SYMPTOMS WITH COMPASSION & EXPERTISE

One of the primary goals of hospice care is to manage symptoms effectively, providing our patients with comfort and relief. Our experienced team of healthcare professional work collaboratively to address symptoms, such as:

  • Pain & Discomfort
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Constipation & Diarrhea
  • Fatigue & Weakness
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Sleep Disturbances
  • Wounds/Pressure Injuries
  • Skin Infections
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Upper Respiratory Infections
  • Pneumonia

Our dedicated team is committed to providing comprehensive symptom management, ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout your journey.

 

 

 

WHAT DOES THE  HOSPICE SIX-MONTH REQUIREMENT MEAN?

“In the United States, people enrolled in Medicare can receive hospice care if their health care provider thinks they have less than six months to live should the disease take its usual course. Doctors have a hard time predicting how long an older, sick person will live. Health often declines slowly, and some people might need a lot of help with daily living for more than six months before they die.” (NIH.gov, 2021)

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-are-palliative-care-and-hospice-care#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20people,older%2C%20sick%20person%20will%20live.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF  A HOSPICE PATIENT  LIVES LONGER THAT 6 MONTHS?

If the doctor continues to certify that that person is still close to dying, Medicare can continue to pay for hospice services. It is also possible to leave hospice care for a while and then later return if the health care provider still believes that the patient has less than six months to live.

HOSPICE BENEFIT PERIODS: Refer to the time periods during which the hospice physician approves/recertifies a hospice patient for more time in hospice care.

  1. 1st benefit period: 90 days
  2. 2nd benefit period: 90 days
  3. 3rd. benefit period: 60 days.
  4. From the 3rd benefit period onward: The physician must rectify the patient’s hospice eligibility every 60 days.

 

WHERE CAN I RECEIVE HOSPICE CARE?

Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including:

  • Home: This is the most common setting for hospice care. Hospice providers come to the patient’s home to provide care.
  • Assisted Living Facilities/Board & Care: Caring Like Family does provide hospice care in long-term care facilities. This is a good option for patients who need more care than can be provided at home.
  • Hospital/Skilled Nursing Facilities: Some hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities offer hospice care. This is a good option for patients who are receiving active treatment for their illness but are also nearing the end of life.                                                                                       Please note: Caring Like Family does not provide General In-patient care. If you need hospice care under these two circumstances please call Caring Like Family Hospice at 310-574-5950 to confirm eligibility.
  • Hospice House: A hospice house is a free-standing facility that provides hospice care. Hospice houses typically have a home-like atmosphere and offer a variety of services, including pain management, symptom relief, and emotional support.