Patients with advanced disease states encounter difficult decisions regarding their treatment and course of care, including end-of-life care. THA Group’s Island Hospice is a community outreach source to provide your patients with specific information, tools and support to make informed decisions. Feel free to contact us with questions or concerns regarding your patients and their specific care.
Referring to Hospice Increases Quality of Life
Studies indicate that the hospice patient’s overall Quality of Life indicators remain stable with less depressive episodes during palliative periods when measured by a valid and reliable instrument. The latest National Hospice data revealed that quality of life scores for terminally ill patients were higher among home health hospice patients than similar patients receiving conventional non-hospice care.*
*Source: Quality of Life Research, Vol. 3, No. 6, Dec. 1994.Referring to Hospice Increases Life Expectancy
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management reports that hospice care may prolong the lives of some terminally ill patients. Those with congestive heart failure (CHF) showed the longest increase in lifespan by about 2.5 months to 402 days.
Hospice Care Can Help
Choosing hospice allows the patient and family to remain together in the comfort and security of their own home, or wherever they may reside, including nursing home, long-term care facility or even hospital.
Eligibility
Patients are eligible for hospice care when the physician determines that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.
Payment
Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare Part A and Medicaid for patients with a prognosis of six months or less. The benefit covers all services, medications and equipment related to the illness. Most major private insurers and HMOs also offer hospice coverage and benefits.
The Island Hospice team consists of:
– Nurses
– Certified nurse aides
– Medical social workers
– Spiritual care coordinators
– Physical therapists
– Speech-language pathologists
– Dietitians
– Volunteers from the community
– Hospice medical directors
– Geriatric care managers
Island Hospice services may include but are not limited to:
– Physician care
– On-site nursing
– Medications for pain control and symptom management
– Physical, occupational and speech-language pathology therapies
– Medical equipment and supplies
– Caregiver support and training
– Dietitian counseling
– Short-term respite care
– Assistance with personal hygiene and light housekeeping
– Counseling and support groups for the patient and family
– Spiritual consultation