FAQs

1. When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made – and who should make it?

At any time during a serious illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice. By law, the decision belongs to the patient. Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping an all-out effort to beat the disease. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and always available to discuss them with the patient and family.

2. Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first?

The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy or friends.

3. What if our physician doesn't know about hospice?

Most physicians know about hospice. If your physician wants more information about hospice, it is available from the Academy of Hospice Physicians, medical societies, state hospice organizations, or United Hospice of Rockland at 845.634.4974.

4. Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular treatment?

Certainly. If the patient's condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on about their daily life.

If a discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

5. What does the hospice admission process involve?

One of the first things Hospice will do is contact the patient's physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for this patient at this time. United Hospice of Rockland has a medical director available to help patients who have no physician.

The patient will also be asked to sign a consent form. It is similar to the form patients sign when they enter a hospital.

The consent form says that the patient understands that the care is palliative (aimed at pain relief and symptom control) rather than curative. It also outlines the services available. The form also explains how electing the Medicare hospice benefit affects other Medicare coverage for a serious illness.

6. Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?

Hospice will assess your needs, recommend any equipment, and help make arrangements to obtain any necessary equipment. Often the need for equipment is minimal at first and increases as the illness progresses. In general, Hospice will assist in any way it can to make home care as convenient, clean and safe as possible.

7. How many family members or friends does it take to care for a patient at home?

There is no set number. One of the first things the hospice team will do is to prepare an individualized care plan that will, among other things, address the amount of caregiving needed in your situation. Hospice staff visits regularly and are always accessible to answer medical questions and provide support.

8. What specific assistance does hospice provide home-based patients?

Hospice patients are cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists and volunteers – each provides assistance based on his or her area of expertise. In addition, Hospice provides medications, supplies, equipment, and hospital services if and when needed.

9. Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?

Hospice does nothing either to speed up or slow down the dying process. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during the time of child birth, so Hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during advanced illness.

10. Is caring for the patient at home the only place hospice care can be delivered?

No. Although 90% of hospice patient time is spent in a personal residence, some patients live in nursing homes, a family member's home, an assisted living facility or group home. We will offer services wherever the patient is.

11. How does hospice manage pain?

Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, as it addresses each.

Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest methods used to control pain and achieve symptom relief. Using some combination of medications, counseling and therapies, most patients can be kept pain free and comfortable.

12. Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what's happening?

Usually not. It is the goal of Hospice to allow the patient to be pain free but alert. By constantly consulting with the patient, Hospice has been very successful in reaching this goal.

13. Is hospice affiliated with any religious organizations?

Hospice is not an off-shoot of any religion. While some churches and religions have started hospices (sometimes in connection with their hospitals), these hospices serve a broad community and do not require patients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs. UHR offers spiritual care to people of all faiths.

14. Is hospice care covered by insurance?

Hospice coverage is widely available. It is covered by Medicare, by Medicaid in New York State, and most private health insurance policies. To be sure of coverage, hospice will check with your health insurance provider.

15. If the patient is not covered by Medicare or any other health insurance, will hospice still provide care?

The first thing Hospice will do is assist families in finding out whether the patient is eligible for any coverage they may not be aware of. Barring this, care is provided regardless of one's ability to pay.  Hospice staff will do a financial assessment to determine any fees that the patient may be required to pay.

16. Does hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?

Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for 13 months following the death of a loved one. United Hospice of Rockland also provides bereavement groups and support for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a loved one.

17. How is hospice care different from other types of home health care?

• Comfort vs. Cure: For most health care providers, the goal is to get the patient well. Hospice focuses on comfort and support, rather than cure.
• Interdisciplinary Team Approach: All members of the care team - nurses, social workers, bereavement counselors, spiritual care coordinators, home health aides and volunteers - work together to coordinate care.
• Family Focus: Hospice care focuses on the entire family. The Hospice team teaches the family how to be involved in their loved one's care.
• Bereavement Support: Hospice care does not end when a patient dies. UHR’s Provident Bank Hope and Healing Center offers bereavement support for family members for at least 13 months after the death of a patient.