Hospice Facts & FAQ

Should I wait for our physician to talk about hospice?

No. You should always feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with your physician, other healthcare professionals, or anyone else who is important to you.

Can someone on hospice go back to seek regular medical treatment?

Absolutely! If someone’s condition improves and disease seems to be in remission, or if they simply change their mind, the patient can be discharged. If the discharged patient should need hospice care later, they can be readmitted.

What does a hospice admission involve?

One of the first things hospice will do is contact the patient’s physician to make sure he/she is appropriate for hospice care. The patient or representative will also be asked to sign consent and insurance forms. These forms are similar to forms you would sign when entering the hospital.

What specific assistance does hospice provide home-based patients?

Hospice patients are cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, spiritual caregivers, therapists, and volunteers-each provides assistance based on his/her area of expertise. We will assess your needs within the home, recommend any necessary equipment and help make arrangements to obtain it. Hospice will also help to provide medications, supplies, hospital services, and additional helpers in the home as appropriate.

Can a patient residing in a nursing facility or other type of long-term care facility be cared for by hospice?

Hospice services can be provided to a terminally ill person wherever they live. This means a patient living in a nursing or assisted living facility can receive specialized visits from hospice nurses, home health aides, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers, along with other care and services provided by the facility. Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. and facilities have a written agreement in place in order for hospice to serve the residents.

Does hospice hasten death?

Hospice DOES NOT do anything to either speed up or slow down the dying process. Just as doctors and mid-wives lend support and experience during childbirth, hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.

How does hospice “manage” pain?

Hospice of Guernsey, Inc.’s medical director and nurses are up-to-date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. In addition, a palliative pharmacist is a part of our team. They evaluate current medications the patient is taking and recommends medications that may work well to provide relief. We believe that emotional and spiritual pain is just as real and needs as much attention as physical pain. Counselors, including spiritual caregivers, are available to assist loved ones as well as patients. Due to all these factors, our success rate in battling pain is very high.

Is hospice available after hours?

Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. is available on-call after our office has closed. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

What role does the hospice volunteer serve?

Hospice volunteers are generally available to provide different types of support to patients and their loved ones including running errands, staying with the patient to give family members/caregivers a break, and lending emotional support and companionship to patients and family members.

The volunteer coordinator works with the team to assure the right volunteer is chosen to perform the type of service that is needed.

How can I be sure that Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. will provide quality care?

There are state licensure requirements that must be met by all hospices for them to be able to deliver care. Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. must also comply with federal regulations in order to be approved/reimbursed by Medicare. We also periodically undergo inspections to be sure we are meeting standards to maintain our license/certifications.

Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. works with an independent organization to provide families with satisfaction surveys to get their feedback on our performance and services.

Does Hospice of Guernsey, Inc. provide any support to family and loved ones after that patient dies?

Hospice provides continuing contact and support for families and loved ones for at least 13 months following the death. We also provide supportive services for anyone in the community who has experienced a loss. This includes support groups and one on one counseling.