Hospice FAQs
What is hospice?
Hospice is a specialized health care program designed to meet the needs of patients and their families when faced with a terminal illness. Hospice services are provided for patients of any age. Washington Regional Hospice believes that patients should be active participants in their own care, prioritizing their quality of life and safety at home. To achieve this goal, the hospice team offers numerous services to patients and their loved ones, including visits from registered nurses, social workers, chaplains, nursing aides and volunteers.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice is a model of care that prioritizes comfort and safety, typically delivered in the patient's home. Hospice care can also take place at assisted living centers, long-term care facilities, or at the Willard Walker Hospice Home if symptoms cannot be managed elsewhere.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative care is a type of patient-centered care that focuses on symptom relief for those with serious and advanced illnesses. Palliative care may occur while the patient is seeking treatment of their condition.
Hospice is a program for those with a prognosis of six months or less who are not actively seeking treatment. Hospice is focused on comfort and symptom management for end-of-life care.
Hospice Care
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Palliative Care
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Primarily occurs in the patient’s home
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Primarily occurs in a health care setting
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For patients no longer seeking treatment
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For patients receiving treatment
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For patients with prognosis of 6 months or less
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For patients with prognosis of 6 months to 10 years
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Focuses on quality of life and symptom management
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Offers social and spiritual support
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Uses patient-centered care model
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How do I know if it is time for hospice?
You may consider hospice when you are not able to complete the activities you wish to do, your symptoms persist (even with treatment), or if your doctor tells you there are no other treatment options. When you and your doctor have discussed that you have a prognosis of 6 months or less and you wish to forego additional treatments to pursue quality of life, a hospice referral is appropriate. Patients and families may call Washington Regional Hospice for more information at 479.463.7385.
How are patients referred to hospice?
Anyone can request information about hospice care. Most referrals come from a patient’s physician. Washington Regional Hospice encourages patients, loved ones and physicians to refer early so patients and loved ones can benefit from the full range of hospice services. For more information about whether hospice is right for you, call 479.463.7385.
Does hospice mean I'm giving up?
Choosing hospice allows patients and their loved ones to decide how they want to spend their remaining time. Patients and loved ones maintain their decision-making power throughout their hospice care. Our team members are here to support your choices while prioritizing comfort and safety.
How can I make sure my family knows my wishes?
All patients facing a terminal illness should have an honest conversation with their family members and loved ones about their wishes. A living will or assignment of a health care proxy can be helpful, but even more important are discussions of your wishes with your loved ones.
Do I have to change doctors?
No, you do not have to change primary care doctors when starting hospice care. Patients in hospice can choose to remain under the care of their own physician(s) who will work with the patient, family and hospice team to enhance quality of life. The hospice care team sends the patient’s selected primary care physician biweekly updates on their condition. We encourage the patient's primary care doctor to participate in our interdisciplinary team, which consists of physicians who specialize in hospice care, registered nurses, nursing aides, social workers, chaplains and volunteers.
Who pays for hospice care?
Hospice services may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance policies. Washington Regional Hospice accepts all patients regardless of ability to pay.