At America Hospice and Palliative Care, we understand that you may have many questions about hospice and palliative care services. To help you better understand these services, we have compiled a list of the top 10 frequently asked questions and their answers. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to residents of Sugar Land, Houston, and over 100 towns and rural areas in Texas.
About Hospice
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Hospice Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Hospice care is designed to provide comfort and support to patients with a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care, on the other hand, is focused on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses, regardless of their prognosis.
When is it time to consider hospice care?
Hospice care should be considered when a patient’s life expectancy is six months or less, and the focus of care has shifted from curing the illness to providing comfort and symptom management.
How does hospice care work?
Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. The team works together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family.
Who is eligible for hospice care?
Patients with a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by a physician, are eligible for hospice care. They must also choose to focus on comfort care rather than pursuing curative treatments.
What services are included in hospice care?
Hospice care includes medical care focused on symptom management and pain relief, nursing care, medical equipment and supplies, medications for symptom control, counseling, and emotional support for patients and their families, respite care for family caregivers, and bereavement support and services.
How is hospice care paid for?
Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Patients without insurance or with limited coverage may choose to pay for services out-of-pocket.
Can hospice care be provided at home?
Yes, hospice care can be provided in the patient’s home, as well as in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospice inpatient facilities.
Is hospice care only for cancer patients?
No, hospice care is available to patients with a variety of life-limiting illnesses, including heart disease, lung disease, dementia, and other conditions.
Can a patient leave hospice care if their condition improves?
Yes, patients can be discharged from hospice care if their condition improves or stabilizes. They can also re-enter hospice care at a later time if their condition worsens.
What is the role of the family in hospice care?
Family members play a vital role in hospice care, providing care and support to their loved one and participating in decision-making. Hospice teams also provide support, education, and resources to help families navigate the end-of-life journey.
If you have any additional questions or would like more information about our hospice and palliative care services, please contact America Hospice and Palliative Care today. Our team is here to help you navigate this challenging time with compassion and expertise.
We Listen. We Care. We Serve.
When you are faced with the challenge of finding a hospice provider to help care for the emotional and physical well-being of someone you love, maybe your mom or dad, you will be faced with many questions.
Making the decision about hospice care for a loved one is never easy, but finding the right answers can help you feel more comfortable with the options available and confident in your final decision.
America Hospice and Palliative Care operates hospice and palliative care programs throughout Sugar Land, Houston and over 100 towns and rural areas in Texas. We pride ourselves on being one of the leading providers of end-of-life care for Texas families.
Our Hospice Care Specialists are Here to Help
Call Us Today for Answers to End-of-Life Questions.
WHO CAN RECEIVE HOSPICE CARE?
Anyone diagnosed with limited life expectancy can receive hospice care.
Once a doctor confirms an illness is terminal (life expectancy of six months or less), they will collaborate with the America Hospice and Palliative Care team to provide services tailored to the patient’s needs and desires.
While many patients have cancer, we also care for individuals with various life-limiting conditions, such as heart and lung disease, kidney disease, neurological disorders, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and other dementias. Family and friends benefit from hospice care as well, receiving support to help the patient and adjust to life changes.
A common misconception is that all hospice patients are bedridden, critically ill, and incapable of living life to its fullest. Hospice celebrates life, assisting you in fulfilling your unique needs during this life chapter.
For any questions about hospice care or eligibility, contact our Admission Coordinator at America Hospice and Palliative Care.
WHY CHOOSE AMERICA HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE?
After receiving a diagnosis for limited life expectancy, patients must make an important choice about goals for their treatment.
When a doctor concludes that no curative treatment exists for a specific illness, the therapy is no longer effective, or you decide the treatment side effects are too severe, you might consider opting for comfort care as your ultimate objective.
Aggressive medical treatment prioritizes curing the physical ailment over addressing the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs, often requiring intensive clinical care that can reduce life quality. Hospice care, on the other hand, focuses on comfort by alleviating pain and other symptoms while continuing to cater to the emotional and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family.
Hospice care neither extends life nor accelerates death; instead, it eases pain and physical discomfort, allowing the patient to enjoy a more peaceful and fulfilling life quality. At America Hospice and Palliative Care, care and support services primarily occur in the patient’s home or residence. Many families have expressed that they waited too long to fully benefit from hospice care’s offerings.
WHY CHOOSE AMERICA HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE?
Our Team is Here to Help!
We are one of Texas' premier providers of end-of-life care. Click the button below to Request Information or call (281) 595-8005 to learn how hospice care can help.