FAQ
What is Hospice?
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?
Who pays for Hospice?
Where can I receive Hospice Care?
What if patient does not recognize or admit they are dying?
Does hospice take away a patient’s hope?
How Does a Patient Start to Receive Hospice?
At Carolina Hospice Care we offer a special kind of healthcare that focuses on comfort rather than cure. We are the first hospice in the nation to offer Consumer Directed Care, a new approach to healthcare, as trained by the University of South Carolina. The philosophy of Consumer Directed Care is to empower you and your family to make healthcare decisions regarding your terminal illness and we advocate on your behalf with your primary care physician. We provide medical, as well as spiritual, emotional and physical care for the patient and support to the family. We work with your healthcare provider/medical doctor. The Carolina Hospice Care skilled team includes: medical director, registered nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, spiritual care and end of life counselors, administrative support staff and volunteers, all working together to to assess your healthcare needs and provide exceptional service.
Who Qualifies for Hospice Care?
Each potiential admission is assessed indiviually to determine if hospice services are what will best meet the patient’s needs. There are specific qualifying guidelines that are set forth by Medicare, but many factors are involved that is why individual assiessment is neccessary. Those with cancer who are no longer seeking curative treatment are appropriate for hospice services. We also routinely care for those with heart disease such as Congestive Heart Disease (CHF), chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease and general disability to name a few. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions regarding if hospice services are right for you or your loved one. Curative treatments are those that aim to cure the illness: palliative treatments are those that pain or symptom control, without the ability to cure. The focus of paaliative care is to keep the paitient as comfortable as possible, keeping any symptoms under control.
Medicare Part A, Medicaid, and many private health insurance companies have a hospice benefit.
Where can I receive Hospice Care?
Anywhere the patient calls home. An individual may receive hospice care in the comfort of your own home, in a residential or assisted living community, in a skilled nursing facility, and sometimes even in the hospital.
What if patient does not recognize or admit they are dying?
Many patients are not ready to openly talk about their illness or end of life issues, and we at Carolina Hospice Care respect that choice. We allow each patient to establish his or her own level of outward acceptance and verbalizations of feelings about death and dying. we will continue to care for their needs and address the topic when the patient is ready.
Does hospice take away a patient’s hope?
Quite the opposite, Carolina Hospice Care affirms life and recognizes dying as a natuaral part of life. Of course, we do not encourage false hope of cure, but aim to validate the hope of living each day to the fullest with a focus on dignity, comfort, and quality.
How Does a Patient Start to Receive Hospice?
Please contact us if you think you or your loved one may qualify for hospice. We understand that every family has unique needs. When you call us, we’ll make an appointment to meet with you and your family to discuss hospice care. Our caring team will speak openly and honestly with you. We will explain just how we can help empower you to make the best choices for your family. We will listen to you; discuss your concerns and wishes to create a complete plan of care to meet all your expectations. We can provide you with specific information, and support you and your family through this difficult time and after.
It is a misnomer that all hospices are alike. Hospices are not all the same. What makes Carolina Hospice Care so unique and different from all the rest is our personal commitment to each and every person. The Carolina Hospice Care team treats your loved ones like family. We provide comfort, care, compassion and exceptional healthcare for all of our patients to make their living more pleasant and their passing as peaceful as possible. Our services are covered by Medicare part A, Medicaid and many private health insurance companies.
When you want the absolute best for your loved ones, ask for Carolina Hospice Care. You don’t have to wait for your doctor to learn more about hospice. There is no obligation to choose hospice care, and no obligation to continue if you decide to pursue other healthcare options. When you speak with your doctor about hospice, be sure to ask for Carolina Hospice Care. If you do decide to use Carolina Hospice Care, our staff will contact your physician to coordinate the admissions process. Because you care, we’ll be there.
Please contact us at Carolina Hospice Care toll-free at 877-849-5910.