Hospice services are available to patients of any age, race, religion and illness. Hospice is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans and other managed care organizations. Hospice focuses on caring not curing and in most cases, care is provided in the patient’s home. Care is also provided in hospitals, nursing homes, and other long term facilities. The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each patient’s individual needs for pain management and symptom control. The team consists of:
- The patient’s primary Physician
- Hospice Medical Director
- Nurses
- Hospice Aide
- Social Worker
- Chaplain/ Bereavement Coordinator
- Trained Volunteer Coordinator
Your primary doctor approves the plan of care and works with the hospice medical director and the IDT. Among its responsibilities, the interdisciplinary team:
- Assists the patient with the emotional and psycho social and spiritual aspects of dying
- Provides prescription drugs, medical supplies and equipment
- Delivers special services like speech and physical therapist when needed
- Provides personal care such as bathing, shaving and personal hygiene assistance. Makes short term inpatient care available when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home or the family/caregiver needs respite time
- Provides bereavement care and counseling to surviving family and friends