Understanding Hospice
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End of life decisions are difficult for both patients and loved ones. Many people avoid the discussion altogether, however hospice can provide peace and relief during the final stage of life, allowing patients and loved ones to enjoy their time together as comfortably as possible. At Ascend Hospice, our goal is to provide essential information necessary to make the best end-of-life choices possible, as well as to support you throughout this challenging time in your life.
What is hospice?
Hospice is a philosophy of care that treats a person rather than the disease. Hospice is a complete and cohesive program of medical care and emotional/spiritual support to improve the quality of life for patients facing a life-limiting illness. When treatment is no longer effective or desired, hospice care can be provided for pain relief and symptom control, along with emotional and spiritual support for patients and loved ones. Hospice care takes a holistic approach focusing on both physical and emotional health. Personalized care is provided by a compassionate interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, medical social workers, spiritual counselors, nursing assistants, volunteers, dieticians, and physical, occupational and speech therapists. Ascend Hospice is dedicated to providing the best possible care every step of the way.
Who needs hospice care?
Hospice care offers patients the opportunity to live life more fully with control, comfort and dignity. Individuals with terminal illnesses often select hospice care to die in peace and comfort and without pain. The are many circumstances that suggest a person’s need for hospice care, including, but not limited to:
- ALS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Cardiac disease
- Dementia
- HIV/AIDS
- Liver disease
- Pulmonary disease
- Parkinson’s disease and other neurological diseases
- Renal disease
- Stroke
Who is eligible for hospice care?
According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization approximately two-thirds of hospice patients are 80 years or older. However, a person of any age is eligible for hospice if you meet the eligibility requirements. Ascend provides services to those 18 years of age or older who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness for which no further curative treatment is sought.
A physician must certify that you have a life expectancy of 6 months or less, depending on the course of your disease and you must forgo curative treatment, either because it is not working, or you no longer wish to receive it. A health care professional must also determine your eligibility based on specific criteria related to your medical condition.
Understanding the different types of hospice care
At Ascend Hospice, our care teams provide four levels of care based on the individual needs of the patient and loved ones. From providing short-term relief for caregivers to administering palliative care at a hospital or skilled nursing facility, we offer best-in-class hospice care and services in the location that is the most appropriate and comfortable for the patient.
Routine
The most common level of care provided in the home or in a healthcare setting
Respite
Short-term relief for caregivers by placing the patient in a nursing facility for up to five days
Inpatient
A more intensive level of care designed for short-term pain and symptom management; provided in a
hospital or skilled nursing facility
Continuous Care
One-on-one skilled nursing care designed for short-term crisis intervention involving pain and symptom management; provided most often in the home or the assisted-living setting for all or part of the day, depending on the clinical needs of the patient.
Is Home Health the Answer?
Home health care can relieve some of the burden and stress felt by patients and loved ones, when facing difficulties with independence.