What is Hospice?
Correcting Misconceptions Surrounding Hospice Care
It is essential to dispel common misconceptions about hospice care, as many believe it is solely reserved for the final days of life. Contrary to this belief, patients can access hospice care much earlier, provided they have a certified terminal diagnosis. Customer satisfaction surveys often reveal that families express a desire to have learned about hospice sooner.
Hospice's primary focus is enhancing the quality of life during the remaining time, managing pain, addressing symptoms, and offering emotional and spiritual support. Accessible through Medicare and other insurance providers, the hospice benefit extends additional support services to assist both the patient and their family in coping with the progressing illness.
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The hospice care team may include the patient's physician, and any inquiries regarding billing can be directed to us. Patients have the autonomy to choose hospice care, irrespective of the presence or absence of an advance directive. Notably, the hospice benefit encompasses coverage for prescriptions, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis.
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In addition to the physical aspects, hospice places significant emphasis on providing spiritual and emotional care to patients and their families. This inclusive approach extends to 13 months of bereavement support, reinforcing the holistic nature of hospice care beyond the immediate period of illness.
Palliative VS Hospice Care
Palliative and Hospice Care: Navigating Symptom Management
Both palliative and hospice care share a common objective of addressing symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals facing serious illnesses. However, the two forms of care differ significantly in their focus, eligibility criteria, and timing.
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Hospice Care: A Distinctive Approach Hospice care represents a specific subset of palliative care that comes into play when curative treatments are foregone. It is specifically designed for individuals with a terminal prognosis, typically within the last six months of life, as estimated by the patient's physician. The primary emphasis of hospice care is on providing comfort, support, and dignity during the final stages of life.
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Palliative Care: A Comprehensive Support System In contrast, palliative care is a broader approach that is not limited by a specific life expectancy. It is available at any stage of a patient's disease, from diagnosis through curative treatments. The primary goal of palliative care is to ease the pain and discomfort associated with the illness, offering comprehensive support to enhance the overall well-being of the patient.
Training Schedule
R & A Hospice, in collaboration with Synergy Healthcare Resources & Solutions Group, provides weekly seminars and classes for healthcare professionals.
Our classes are NHAP and BRN approved. They are led by certified trainers that have been in the medical field for a combined 200 years of experience!