Hospice care is end-of-life care for patients who have a prognosis of 6 months or less to live. Services are provided to the patient’s family during their loved one’s illness and through a period of bereavement.
Why Hospice?
Unique physical, emotional, spiritual, social and financial needs occur during the final phases of life-limiting illness. Hospice provides experienced, skilled specialists who give needed help and support during this difficult time. The Hospice team works with the attending physician and family to develop care which meets the patient/family needs and wishes concerning treatment and lifestyle.
Who Uses Hospice Care?
Hospice serves persons of any age with any life-limiting illness. Among the illnesses our patients have had are: cancer, cardiac disease, renal disease, neurological illnesses, Lou Gehrig's disease, AIDS, cirrhosis, leukemia, and others.
When is the right time to contact Hospice?
At any time during a life-limiting illness, it's appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice. When curative treatments are no longer effective, Hospice treatments for comfort care are usually indicated. Federal law requires a doctor's statement of life expectancy of six months or less.
What exactly is provided?
The specific services offered by Hospice include a consultant physician, registered nurses, home health aides, pastoral caregivers, social work services, therapies (physical, occupational, speech), dietary counseling, drugs and medical supplies/equipment related to the life-limiting illness, back-up hospital care, respite care, trained volunteers, and bereavement counselors.
How does one get involved with Hospice services?
There are two ways. Your doctor or hospital case manager may call, or you may call. If you or someone from your family calls, we will call your doctor to discuss the illness and verify that Hospice is medically appropriate. The patient actually becomes admitted to Hospice by signing a consent form electing Hospice care.
Can a Hospice patient continue with his or her own doctor?
Yes. A Hospice Medical Director is available for consultation with the patient's doctor. Hospice nurses will work with the patient's doctor on all aspects of care. If your doctor does not want to participate with Hospice (which is rarely the case), a Hospice physician can become the patient's primary doctor.
Does Hospice provide 24-hour nursing?
No. Hospice nurses visit weekly or more frequently as the patient's condition dictates. A Hospice nurse is also accessible 24 hours a day by phone to assist with questions or emergencies and can make a home visit if needed. Hospice pharmacies are available off-hours to ensure that changing medication needs can be met at any time. Medications are delivered to the patient's residence. The family can also privately hire shift nurses to provide 24-hour nursing if the family has health insurance that will reimburse them over and above Hospice.
Who pays for Hospice?
Most health insurances, including Medicare, provide full coverage for Hospice care, usually with no co-payments or deductables. Patients with inadequate insurance and limited resources can apply for financial assistance, which is funded by community donations.
Is caring for the patient at home the only place hospice care is offered?
No. While 90% of Hospice care is provided to patients in a personal residence, some patients live in nursing homes or Hospice centers. Hospice Buffalo provides care in patient homes, assisted living facilities, over 40 are assisted living nursing homes, hospice units in area hospitals, and at the Hospice In-Patient Unit and the Hospice Buffalo House, both located on the Hospice Mitchell Campus, 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga.
How can I learn more about Hospice?
To obtain further information, to apply to be a volunteer, or to inquire about Hospice speakers, call the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care at (716) 686-1900.
The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care serves individuals with serious illness, their families and caregivers through a continuum of care spanning the course of illness and bereavement. The Center's specially-trained professionals, support staff and volunteers assist individuals to make choices about their care, support those who are grieving and educate the professional and lay communities about end-of-life issues. The Center includes Hospice Buffalo, Home Care Buffalo, Hospice Buffalo House, Life Transitions Center, Inc., Essential Care for Children and the Hospice Foundation.
