Hospice patients are cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers,
counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists, and volunteers-and each provides
assistance based on their area of expertise.The doctor and hospice team works
with the patient and family to set up the plan of care. This plan of care spells
out who will visit, how often they will come each week and what they will do.
It also lists the medications, medical equipment and whatever else that will
be provided.
The purpose of this plan is to give the patient and family the
help they need to make the most of their remaining time together. The focus
is on comfort, not cure. Here is a summary of what the hospice professionals
can do to help you depending on your needs.
More Support You May Need
The following help may be provided as needed depending upon your Medicare, Medicaid or
health insurance plans:
Medical equipment and medications related to the hospice diagnosis
Inpatient respite care for up to five days at a time may be given when the
family needs a break from their care giving roles
Continuous hours of nursing care may be used for crisis management that
can happen at any time including a few days before death
Inpatient care for symptom management can be provided at a hospital if it
is needed to control pain or other symptoms
Bereavement support is extended to the family for 13 months after the death
of their loved one.
Print
Send to a Friend
