Some of the most commonly asked questions about hospice care.
Do I have to wait for my doctor to refer me to hospice? No. Your healthcare provider can refer you to hospice based on your disease progression, but you can also “self refer”, which means calling Hospice of Havasu and requesting an evaluation.
What kind of care does hospice provide? Each patient is assigned a care team to:
- Manage symptoms and pain (if present)
- Assist with the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying
- Provide needed medication, medical supplies, and equipment
- Educate the family on how to care for the patient
- Provide short-term inpatient care when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home
- Offer respite when the caregiver needs a break
- Bereavement care and spiritual care for the patient and family
Is hospice only for people with cancer? No. Hospice care is for any person who has a life-threatening or terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
Will I die soon after starting hospice? While one of the criteria for qualifying for hospice care is a prognosis of six months or less, many people live beyond six months and experience an improved quality of life after starting hospice care.
Does starting hospice care mean giving up? Deciding to start hospice care simply means discontinuing curative treatment for a terminal illness and focusing on comfort and having the best quality of life possible. Hospice care provides an expert team of professionals to help achieve this goal.
How will I pay for hospice care? Most people receiving hospice care are covered by the Medicare hospice benefit. Most private health insurance plans also cover hospice services. As a not-for-profit organization, Hospice of Havasu strives to provide hospice care to anyone who qualifies, regardless of ability to pay.
Where is hospice care provided? I want to stay in my home. Hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home. This can be a private home, assisted living facility, or in the hospital.
Will I have a nurse 24/7? A hospice nurse and other staff will make regular visits to the patient. Hospice staff are available by phone at all times.