Understanding Hospice Care
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is a compassionate approach to end-of-life care, providing medical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Our goal is to enhance the quality of remaining life by managing pain and symptoms and supporting the family.
When is the right time to ask about hospice?
The best time to explore hospice options is before you think you need it. Discussing hospice care early allows you to make informed decisions and establish care preferences for yourself or your loved one.
When should you consider hospice?
Consider hospice when a life-limiting illness prognosis of six months or less is given if the disease follows its natural course. It's also appropriate when the focus shifts from curative treatments to comfort care.
What distinguishes Belview Healthcare from other hospice care providers?
At Belview Healthcare, our personalized approach to care sets us apart. Our team of caring professionals and trained volunteers is dedicated to providing a richer, fuller, and more meaningful life for our patients, ensuring every moment left is dignified, comfortable, and peaceful.
How is the care plan developed for each patient?
Care plans are collaboratively developed by our interdisciplinary team, the patient, and their family. This plan is based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, ensuring personalized and holistic care.
What is the scope of home health aide services?
Home health aides provide personal care services, including bathing, dressing, and grooming, to ensure the patient's comfort and dignity at home.
Can hospice care be provided in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Yes, we deliver hospice care in various settings, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities, ensuring patients receive compassionate care wherever they reside.
Getting Started with Hospice
How can you get hospice care?
Hospice care begins with a referral, which can be made by a doctor, healthcare professional, family member, or even the patient themselves. Following the referral, our team conducts an assessment to discuss care needs and preferences.
What if you live longer than six months?
If you or your loved one lives beyond the initial six-month prognosis, hospice care can continue as long as the attending physician certifies that the hospice eligibility criteria are met.
Can a hospice patient return to regular medical treatment?
Yes, patients can choose to leave hospice care at any time to pursue curative treatments. If the situation changes, they can be readmitted to hospice care later.
Eligibility and Admission
How does the admission process work?
Starting hospice care is straightforward. Contact us, and a team member will arrange a visit to assess needs, discuss hospice care, and develop a care plan.
What specific criteria determine a patient's eligibility for hospice care?
Eligibility is based on the clinical judgment of the patient's primary physician and our Hospice Medical Director, indicating that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its usual course.
Can you explain the admission process to Belview Healthcare in more detail?
The process starts with a simple call to our agency. A nurse then visits the patient and family at home or in the hospital to present information about our program. If the patient elects our program, we make all necessary arrangements for admission, ensuring a seamless transition to hospice care.
Care and Services
How does hospice manage pain and symptoms?
Our interdisciplinary team, including physicians and nurses, uses the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom management. We address physical, emotional, and spiritual pain, tailoring care to each patient's needs.
Does pain medication shorten life expectancy?
No, our focus is on making patients as comfortable as possible without hastening or postponing death. The proper use of pain medication does not shorten life expectancy.
