Q. Doesn't hospice mean giving up hope?

A. Not at all.  Our Hospice recognizes that dying is a natural part of life. Hospice helps patients live their remaining life to the fullest, by managing pain and symptoms, while allowing them to remain in the comfort of their homes.

Q. When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made -- and

who should make it?

A. Experts agree that the time to learn about hospice is before a life-threatening illness occurs. This greatly reduces stress, should the time come when hospice services may be needed. That being said, at any time during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice. By law, decisions about care should be made by the patient. Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping an all-out effort to cure a disease. And, hospice staff members are highly sensitive to those concerns. Still, the earlier a hospice team is involved, the more satisfaction patients and families express. Hospice can best provide services when there is time to fully understand the needs of the patient and family.

Q. Isn't hospice just for cancer patients?

A. No. Hospices can admit patients with any terminal diagnosis.

Q. Is the patient's physician involved in planning the hospice care?

A. Yes. We consider the patient's attending physician to be part of the hospice team. He or she provides direction for the patient's medical care and the patient can continue to see them as needed. Every patient's plan of care is approved by his or her physician.

Q. Who can make a referral to hospice?

A. Anyone can make a referral, pending final approval from the patient's physician and the hospice medical director.

Q. Are there any changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?

A. Your hospice provider will assess your needs, recommend any equipment, and help make arrangements to obtain any necessary equipment.

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

A. There is no set number. One of the first things a hospice team will do is work with the patient and family to prepare an individualized care plan that will, among other things, address the amount of caregiving needed. Team members visit regularly, and are always accessible to answer questions and provide support. Weekly team meetings are held to coordinate all care for the patient and family.

Q. What happens if a hospice nurse is needed at night or on weekends?

A. Hospice nurses are available on-call, 24 hours a day. We provide patients and their families instructions on how to telephone us at any time, day or night.

Q. Is the home the only place hospice care can be delivered?

A. No. Although most hospice services are delivered in a private residence, some patients live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospice centers.

Q. How does hospice manage pain?

A. Hospice has expertise in managing pain. Not only are hospice team members up-to-date on the latest medications and approaches for pain and symptom relief, but they also recognize and understand that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real.

Q. Can a hospice patient be re-admitted to the hospital?

A. In-patient care is provided when approved by the patient's physician and the hospice medical director, for the relief of uncontrolled symptoms, and when treatment available from the hospital will maximize the patient's comfort.

Q. What happens if the patient's condition improves?

A. Our interdisciplinary team evaluates the patient's condition periodically. If we determine that the patient's condition is no longer terminal or is stable, we may recommend that the patient be discharged from hospice. Of course, the patient may revoke the hospice election at any time. We can readmit patients at a later date, should their condition change.

Q. Are there any age restrictions when it comes to hospice care?

A. No. People of all ages may receive hospice care.

Q. Who pays for hospice?

A. Medicare and Medicaid hospice benefits cover eligible patients. To be eligible for Medicare hospice benefits, the patient’s physician and the hospice medical director must certify that the patient has six months or less to live, if the disease runs its normal course. The patient must also sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of routine Medicare covered services for the terminal illness. Many health insurance companies also offer hospice benefits. We handle all insurance billing and coordination for the patient. Charitable contributions allow New Beacon to provide care to the truly needy, regardless of their ability to pay.