Understanding Hospice

What is Hospice?
Hospice is medical, emotional, and spiritual care specifically designed for individuals who have an illness that can't be cured.  The focus of this care is to maintain the comfort, dignity of the patient and to support the family through the experience of caring for and losing a loved one.

The Hospice philosophy is that everyone has the right to make decisions about how they spend the last months of their life and what kind of care they want to receive.  Everyone has the right to die peacefully, and without pain.  Everyone has the right to emotional, spiritual, and practical support.

How do you start the conversation?
When faced with an illness for which a cure is not possible, patients- and their families- experience fear, frustration, and confusion.  Though they may feel that Hospice would be a positive option, they often find it difficult to bring up the subject with family members, physicians, or hospital personnel.  Here are some thoughts to share when discussing common family concerns:

"I know there's no cure, but isn't there something more we could be doing?"
Lakeland Hospice provides highly specialized, state-of-the-art care. Though it is not curative treatment, it is serious medicine that provides unmatched pain and symptom relief, as well as emotional and spiritual support for the entire family. It is a very positive option for someone who is terminally ill.

"Mom will think we're giving up. How can we start talking about Hospice?"
When patients choose Hospice care, they're not giving up - they're taking control. Hospice enables them to decide exactly how, where and with whom they will spend the rest of their lives. Most patients find Hospice care to be a liberating experience that brings them both physical and emotional relief. Quite often they say: "I wish I'd entered the Hospice program sooner."

"Dad won't even consider Hospice, but the rest of us need help. What can we do?"
Most patients don't want their caregivers to be excessively burdened by their illness. Help them understand that the greatest gift they can give their family is the ability to spend quality time with each other. Lakeland Hospice supports the entire family so everyone can be physically and emotionally available to focus on important end-of-life issues.

"We haven't even talked to my sister about the fact that she's dying. How can we bring up Hospice?"
The staff of Lakeland Hospice has great expertise in talking with patients and their families about life-limiting illness. We can meet with patients anywhere, anytime, to discuss their health needs, learn their personal feelings and desires, and introduce the concept of Hospice care. These conversations usually go more smoothly than families imagined possible and are often welcomed by the patient.

"My brother says he's had it! Is he allowed to quit his treatments and go on Hospice?"
Patients who have been through extensive treatment or repeated hospitalizations often become so physically weary that they choose not to continue curative care. Whether or not patients complete their treatment is their choice. They will be welcomed into the Hospice program at whatever point they decide to stop aggressive, curative treatment.

"My mother's physician hasn't mentioned Hospice care. Should we bring it up?"
Yes! Many physicians hesitate to talk about Hospice care because they don't want to destroy a patient's hope. However, they may actually be relieved if YOU broach the subject. If you feel Hospice may be a good option - now or in the future - talk with the doctor about the benefits of curative treatment vs. palliative (comfort) care. Also be sure to discuss your expectations for preserving quality of life so that you share common care goals. If you are hesitant to talk to the physician directly, Lakeland Hospice can help with that communication.

"My father is in the hospital and we wonder if Hospice care would be beneficial. Who do we talk to?"
Hospital social workers and discharge planners should be knowledgeable about the many services provided by Lakeland Hospice and can facilitate a referral to our program. If you haven't already had direct contact with a social worker, ask your physician, a nurse or chaplain to put you in touch with one.

Remember...
Lakeland Hospice  nurses and social workers are available to counsel patients and families whether Hospice care is needed now or in the future. Do not hesitate to contact us directly with any questions you may have.

When is it time for Hospice?
Dozens of times each year, patients and families tell us: "We wish we'd entered the Hospice program sooner." It is a common misconception that Hospice care is only for the last few days of life when, in fact, patients and families can benefit most when they have Hospice for the final months of life.  Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans provide coverage for Hospice care when physicians predict a patient has six months, or less, to live and curative treatment is no longer being sought. Please understand that the six-month prognosis is merely a guideline. Hospice re-evaluates patients periodically and, as long as their conditions continue to decline, they are re-certified for Hospice coverage for as long as they live.

 

Can you use Hospice if you don't have cancer?
Yes!  Although approximately half of our patients have a cancer diagnosis, Hospice is beneficial for anyone, of any age, with any life-limiting disease.  The staff of Lakeland Hospice also has great expertise in providing comfort and symptom control for patients in the final stages of lung, heart and kidney disease, Alzheimer's and other types of dementias, stroke, neuromuscular diseases, AIDS and many other illnesses.

What services are provided?
Nursing Services are provided as needed to support medical care of the patient.  A nurse is available on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week in times of crisis.

Social Workers are available to help with emotional and everyday stresses that frequently accompany a life threatening illness.  They may also be called upon to assist with financial and legal  issues, insurance problems, or access to resources.

Home Health Aides are available for the patient's personal care.

Medications, Equipment, and Medical Supplies related to the hospice diagnosis are provided and their costs are covered by private insurance or Medicare.

Spiritual Care is coordinated as needed to help the patients and family deal with end-of-life issues.

Volunteers can be provided for companionship, or respite for the caregiver on an as needed basis. 

Bereavement Services are provided to the caregivers for 13 months following the death of their loved one.  Personal visits, grief education, and support groups are some of the services offered to help families cope with the loss they are experiencing.
      

Who is part of the Hospice team?
Hospice care is provided by a closely knit team of physicians, nurses, home health aides, social worker, chaplain, and volunteers.  Weekly team meetings are held with our Medical Director, Dr. Bruce Money, to make sure the needs of every patient are being met efficiently and effectively. 

The patient's Primary Physician is in constant contact with our staff and oversees the medical care of their patients.
Each patient is assigned a Nurse Case Manager who will make nearly all of the regular visits to the patient, which allows them to build a better relationship, notice changes in symptoms, and reduces the risk of miscommunication. 
In addition to regular nursing visits, Home Health Aides can provide bathing and personal cares for the patient. 
Social Workers are available to help with the emotional and everyday stresses that frequently accompany a life threatening illness.  They may also be called upon to assist with financial and legal issues, insurance problems, or access to community resources.
Bereavement Coordinator Our Bereavement Social Workers are knowledgeable about the grief Process and are available to provide compassionate support and education to those who are grieving the death of a loved one.
Chaplain services are coordinated as needed to help patients and family deal with end-of-life issues.
Volunteers can be provided for companionship, or respite for the caregiver.
Our Medical Director oversees the patients plan of care and works with the patient's primary physician.

 

What is your service area?
Lakeland Hospice has served all of West Central Minnesota since 1984.  We have patient care staff and volunteers who live in most of the communities we serve, which lets us reach our families quicker.

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What if I live in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Many people are unaware that Hospice can provide end-of-life care in a nursing home setting.  Hospice care is an option that all people with a limited life expectancy have a right to choose.  Hospice provides care for these people wherever they live- whether that is in a nursing home, adult foster care setting, assisted living, group home or a private home.

How do I begin receiving care?
The process begins with a phone call.  We will arrange a meeting for further explanation of services and benefits.  There is no charge or obligation on the part of the patient or the family for this meeting, and it can be scheduled at any time during the course of the illness in preparation for admission at a later date.

Non Discrimination Policy
This agency is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability with regard to admission, access to treatment, or employment. We will make every effort to comply with these and similar statutes.