About hospice care
Who should seek hospice care? You are eligible for hospice if you have a prognosis of six months or less. The focus of care is on comfort and supporting quality of life when treatments aimed at cure or extending life are no longer desirable. Hospice care can be extended beyond six months as long as a physician determines it is still appropriate. We care for people of all ages and all diagnoses.
Anyone can refer a client to Hospice of Spokane, and should do so as soon as the prognosis warrants. An early referral provides a terminally ill person and their family time to receive the full benefit of hospice care.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has created a series of questions on what to look for when choosing a quality hospice. Hospice of Spokane has answered those questions for you here.
How can Hospice of Spokane help me? You are encouraged to be involved in making your own care decisions, based on personal and family needs, with guidance and support from your Hospice of Spokane care team:
Your doctor will direct your plan of care.
Medical Directors (Hospice of Spokane physicians) oversee your plan of care and consult with the hospice team if difficulties arise.
Registered Nurses visit you regularly to assess your medical needs, communicate with your doctor, and implement their treatment orders. They also provide your caregiver with training regarding your daily care. Nurses are available for consultation and visits 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Medical Social Workers help you and your loved ones with grief counseling and end-of-life planning. They also assist with financial issues and accessing other community resources.
Chaplains provide spiritual care as you and your loved ones struggle with meaning, purpose and sustaining hope at this time of life. We serve clients of all faith denominations, as well as those with no specific faith tradition.
Nurse Aides assist with personal care, such as bathing, hair care, and other needs.
Volunteers assist with respite care for the caregiver, errands, transportation, grocery shopping, and more.
Bereavement Counselors provide counseling for clients, their family and friends, and for any community member experiencing grief from the death of a loved one.
Prescription medications, medical equipment (wheel chairs, hospital beds, etc.) and medical supplies related to the terminal illness are provided by Hospice of Spokane–generally at no cost to you.
Dietary Counseling and Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy are also available.
Inherent in hospice care is the ongoing education about caregiving, the disease process, and the options and interventions to help relieve pain and other discomforts.
How do I qualify and apply for Hospice of Spokane's services?
To qualify, your doctor says that your prognosis is six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. Also, you must desire palliative (comfort) care, which focuses on quality of life. Our admissions experts will help you with information about services, qualifications, and payment sources. Call the Hospice of Spokane Admissions office at (509) 456-0438 or toll free (888) 459-0438, or submit a request for a nurse to give you a call, any time, day or night.