It's About Living...
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is hospice care?
- How does hospice work?
- Are all hospices the same?
- Why choose hospice care?
- Who pays for hospice care?
What is hospice care?
Hospice care is a unique interdisciplinary team approach to caring for someone who is living with a terminal illness (such as cancer, ALS, end-stage heart or lung disease, etc.) and a life expectancy of six months or less. It is compassionate, specialized health care and support for families.
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How does hospice work?
The hospice admission process often starts with an inquiry by the family. Hospice services can begin when the patient's physician makes a referral. Most often, hospice care is provided in the home. Hospice nurses, home health aides, chaplains, social workers, & hospice-trained volunteers work together with the patient, the patient's family, and the patient's physician to provide palliative care (care that focuses on comfort and pain control) when curative care is no longer effective.
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Are all hospices the same?
No. Although all hospices specialize in care for the incurably ill, the quality of care and extent of services can vary among providers. Hospice of Havasu has been an independent, non-profit organization and health care provider for our local communities since 1982. Hospice of Havasu is Medicare Certified.
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Why choose hospice care?
Most people do not want to die alone in sterile surroundings, attached to tubes and cut off from everything that's familiar. If given the choice, most people want to spend their last days at home alert and pain-free, among the people and things they love. Hospice treats the person, not the disease. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death, but affirms life!
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Who pays for hospice care?
The Hospice Medicare Benefit provides hospice care for Medicare recipients. Many private insurance plans also cover all or part of the cost of hospice care. Patients/families are financially responsible for any deductibles, co-pays or costs not covered by their plan. However, patients who have no insurance and/or limited finances may qualify for Caring Partner funds based on need. These funds come from community donations, individual memorial contributions and fundraising events. Hospice of Havasu depends on this strong community support to continue to provide care and support for those in need.
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If you have any questions about hospice care or our agency, please contact us:
(928) 453-2111