Hospice Frequently Asked Questions
What is 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?
Many patients with dementia, chronic heart or chronic respiratory conditions may qualify for hospice care because they have exhausted their “treatment” options. Dementia affects ones memory, but in the later stages, it affects the ability to eat and walk as the person becomes totally dependent for all aspects of care. Persons with end stage dementia may qualify. A person with a heart condition, who is taking medications and still having symptoms or “exacerbations: like chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling; and whose only options are heart surgery or a heart transplant, may qualify. A person with COPD or other chronic respiratory conditions, who has frequent visits to the emergency room because of difficulty breathing, may qualify. And of course there is the traditional hospice client. Those with cancer for whom chemotherapy and /or radiation has failed or is just not an option, may qualify for hospice care.
What does Hospice add that is currently missing from your Medical Care?
Our specially trained team collaborates with your primary care physician to provide you with the services you need to remain comfortably at home including medication, medical equipment and support.
-
Through regularly scheduled visits to your home, our hospice nurses monitor the effectiveness of your current medication in controlling your symptoms. They also anticipate your changing medical needs. Because we specialize in palliative care, our nurses can make recommendations to your physician for additional medications that can maximize your comfort.
-
Our nurses contact the physician for medications related to your terminal illness so you don’t have to make an office visit for a new prescription or to get a prescription refill. Once ordered, the medications are delivered via USPS to your home minimizing trips to the pharmacy.
-
Our nurses make sure you understand how to take medications, when to take medications and why you are taking the medications. Our nurses can even help fill your pillbox to ensure you are getting the right medications at the right time.
-
Our nurses can order a hospital bed, oxygen or other types of medical equipment as it becomes needed to maintain your comfort.
-
If a new symptom arises, a nurse can be reached by phone 24 hours per day to assist you.
-
Our home health aides are available to assist the family with tasks associated with caring for someone who is ill like bathing or they may provide companionship activities like reading.
-
We may also be able to provide a volunteer to provide companionship and enrichment through sharing enjoyed hobbies.
Who pays for Hospice?
Medicare Part A, Medicaid, and many private health insurance companies have a hospice benefit.
Where can I receive Hospice Care?
Anywhere. 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. Check with your facility to see if they partner with Carolina Hospice Care.
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.
Back to Top
|
Because You Care...We'll Be There. Carolina Hospice Care...