What is Hospice Care?

Does the word hospice evoke feelings of unease? With its association with the end of life, it’s natural that many contemplating hospice care for a parent, grandparent, or loved one are worried or confused.

Hospice care is a specialized type of care typically begun when a person is expected to live about six months or less. Let’s look at hospice in more detail:

• Hospice care is medical care designed to help someone in the final stages of a terminal illness live as well as possible for as long as possible. In addition to alleviating pain, hospice can care for a person’s emotional and spiritual needs as well as those of their family, friends, and caregivers.
• Hospice is covered by Medicare as well as most private insurance plans. You will never be denied hospice services for your inability to pay. Our social services team will work with you discuss all options for payment. Payment plans are also available, if needed.
• Hospice usually begins when a person’s medical goals go from seeking a cure to managing symptoms and providing comfort.
• Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing care facilities, and private homes.
• Hospice care staff work closely with the patient's primary care provider to develop individualized care plans.
• Hospice is a choice, not an obligation, and it is not unusual for hospice care to both control symptoms and heal the body. If a patient's condition improves, they can be discharged from hospice care and return to medical treatment, and also return to hospice care at a later date.
• Hospice care is compassionate, comforting, and supportive for patients, families, and caregivers.

Hospice care can be a true gift to families and friends of those receiving care, as it allows families and friends to focus on the patient, not simply on their care.

At Knute Nelson, we bring a team approach to hospice care, creating a caring, healthy setting and providing emotional and practical support. Knute Nelson hospice care teams can include a physician, nurse, hospice aide, social workers, volunteers, chaplain, and bereavement specialist. They coordinate care, doing everything from administering pain-relieving medications to simply being a caring presence.

Hospice care team members make sure that patients under their supervision are comfortable, free from pain, and able to maintain the highest possible quality of life. To learn more about hospice care and receive a free care assessment, contact Knute Nelson’s hospice care team today.