Hospice
Our hospice care is specialized to provide support and comfort to you and your loved ones during an advanced illness. With our customized approach to care, your medical team focuses on quality of life rather than a cure. Our goal is to make sure you can live each day to the fullest.
Patients who are eligible to receive hospice care have a limited life expectancy – defined by Medicare as six months or less – and can receive care wherever you call home. Patient services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities (mental or physical), communicable disease, national origin or ability to pay.
To learn more about how you can benefit from hospice care, contact our staff today.
There are a number of myths and misconceptions about hospice care. Here are some facts about hospice care you may not know:
- hospice provides pain and symptom relief and helps families plan for a loved one’s care needs;
- you can live longer than six months and still be eligible for hospice care;
- the earlier you receive hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize medical conditions and address needs;
- you aren’t required to have a DNR/DNI (Do Not Resuscitate/Do Not Intubate) to be admitted to hospice;
- hospice care can be paid for by Medicare, Medicaid (MA), and most private insurers;
- hospice is for anyone with a life limiting illness or terminal diagnosis, not just those with cancer;
- hospice can be provided wherever you call home;
- a 24-hour caregiver is not required to be eligible for hospice;
- you may choose to continue aggressive treatments for the purpose of symptom management;
- you and your family can still have hope for a cure;
- you don’t need to have all decisions made about your care goals before starting hospice;
- you don’t have to be “ready to die” when receiving hospice care; and,
- you don’t have to give up your primary doctor when hospice becomes part of the care team.
Hospice Services
The goal of hospice is not to cure a disease, but to reduce any symptoms and to provide emotional, spiritual and physical support to you, your family and primary caregivers. All hospice services are provided in accordance with the plan of care as developed by you, your family and primary physician. The hospice team and medical director review the plan of care every 15 days or more if necessary. Your primary physician will authorize any changes to the plan of care as appropriate.
Hospice services include but are not limited to:
- physician care, nursing, hospice aide and continuous care nursing in times of crisis;
- social services, spiritual care and volunteer support for patients and caregivers;
- physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, speech therapy, massage therapy, music therapy and laboratory analysis;
- medications, medical supplies, x-rays, durable medical equipment, palliative radiation/chemotherapy and certain surgical procedures when needed for pain and symptom management;
- short inpatient stays, respite care; and,
- bereavement services continue for family or friends for 13 months following the patient’s death.
St. Croix Hospice provides a comprehensive assessment for the need of medication, medical supplies and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis. We coordinate delivery of the medication, equipment and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis. This includes 24-hour emergency service for medications and home delivery as needed. It also includes medication monitoring, planning and education. St. Croix Hospice will assist with disposal of medications that are no longer needed according to our policy.
St. Croix Hospice primarily provides care for patients in their homes, assisted living communities and or nursing facilities. However, if temporary inpatient care is needed for symptom control or respite care, it is available if authorized in the plan of care.
Changing Or Cancelling Hospice Service
You can choose to cancel hospice services at any time, however you must notify St. Croix Hospice of the decision and a revocation statement must be completed. Speak with your care team for more information.
You can also choose to receive hospice services from another provider at any time without interruption of benefits. Inform us promptly so transfer arrangements can be made.
If your medical condition improves so hospice care is no longer needed or you choose to seek curative treatment outside of the hospice plan of care, your team will discuss whether discharge is right for you. If hospice services are again deemed appropriate in the future, you can be readmitted to St. Croix Hospice.
To learn more about how you can benefit from hospice care, contact our staff today.