Frequently asked questions
Hospice offers care and support to the terminally ill and their loved ones. Through in-home skilled nursing care, home health aides for personal care, grief and bereavement counseling services, you and your loved one will be assured of the best possible quality of life to the end of life. Your Hospice Medicare benefit pays for prescription drugs, respite care, medical equipment, supplies, a full range of social services, and much more.
When should you contact hospice? Who makes the decision? At any time during a serious illness, it's appropriate to discuss all of a person's care options. The decision to become a hospice client rests with the client. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and are available to discuss hospice care with the client and the family. The client and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy, or friends.
What if my physician doesn't know about hospice?Most physicians know about hospice. If your physician wants more information, our admissions specialists are available at 509.456.0438.
Does hospice only treat cancer clients?Hospice of Spokane serves people of all ages representing a variety of diseases. Cancer is common, but we also care for those with heart and respiratory disorders, AIDS, etc.
Can a hospice client who is showing signs of recovery, or who wishes to try new curative treatments be returned to regular medical treatment?Of course! The client can sign off hospice care and return to either aggressive therapy or go on about their daily life whenever they desire. If a discharged client later needs to return to hospice care, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance will cover it. It is important to remember that no one is ever turned away from Hospice care due to an inability to pay.
How do you get "admitted" to hospice? The Hospice admissions nurse will contact the client's physician to make sure that it is an appropriate referral. The client will sign consent and insurance forms wherein the client agrees that care is "comfort-oriented" (palliative), not intending to cure. Hospice services, insurance, Medicare/Medicaid benefits are discussed. Care generally begins immediately upon admission to hospice. You can call 456.0438 to speak with someone about admission to hospice care, or click here.
What if I need special equipment? Hospice staff will assess your needs, recommend and make arrangements for needed equipment and supplies. Often these needs change as the client's condition changes.
Does it take a lot of family or friends to care for a client at home? Your individualized care plan will address caregiving needed in each situation. Hospice nurses, aides, and social workers are available to answer medical questions and provide support wherever you call home.
Must hospice care be given in a home? No. Most clients live at home, but care can be given in other locations - including assisted living centers, nursing homes, the hospital, etc.
What kind of help is available to the client? Hospice patients are cared for through regularly scheduled visits by nurses, social workers, chaplains, nurse aides, therapists, and volunteers. Hospice care includes 24 hour a day, seven days a week phone support. Hospice can provide prescription medication, supplies, equipment, hospitalization, and other helpful services related to the terminal illness.
How does hospice help with pain? Hospice care addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. Hospice of Spokane continually updates its pain control and symptom management. Various complementary therapies also may provide relief. Counselors are available to address spiritual or emotional issues.
Is hospice a religious organization? Hospice of Spokane is not affiliated with any religion. We serve the entire community and do not require clients to adhere to a particular set of beliefs.
Is hospice care covered by insurance? Does Medicare pay for everything? What about co-pays?Medicare, Medicaid, and many insurance plans cover hospice care. Generally speaking, the Hospice Medicare Benefit pays for all care related to the terminal condition. Hospice of Spokane does not charge Medicare/Medicaid a co-pay for any service, including equipment and prescription drugs. Co-pays will vary with private insurance depending on the plan and benefit available. But remember, if hospice care is appropriate for your situation, you won't be turned away due to an inability to pay.
Is there help available after the client dies? Hospice od Spokane provides contact and support after the client dies through mailings, group meetings, and private counseling.
How can I get more information about hospice care?Please call 509-456-0438 for more information about hospice care.
Does a hospice client have to be a No-Code? (Do Not Resuscitate) No. Hospice of Spokane supports client self-determination and personal choice related to health care decisions. Hospice nurses and medical social workers are available for education and consultation related to health care choices.
Does a hospice client have to have a six-month or less prognosis? Exact prognosis may be difficult to determine with many terminal illnesses. Regulations require a six-month or less prognosis if the disease runs its normal expected course based on the physician's best clinical judgment. Hospice evaluates diagnosis/prognosis on an on-going basis. Some people go on and off hospice care as their condition fluctuates. Some people's hospice care may be extended beyond six months if it is appropriate. Others may see their health improving during hospice care, in which case they will "graduate" from hospice and return when they again need hospice care.