Common Questions
Who is eligible for hospice care?
Who provides hospice care?
What services does hospice provide?
When should I consider hospice for my patients?
Who decides if a patient receives hospice services?
Will I still be involved in my patients care?
Who pays for hospice?
Where will my patient receive hospice care?
How does hospice manage pain and other symptoms?
How often will my patients receive visits?
Doesn't accepting hospice care mean my patient is giving up hope?
What if my patient changes his/her mind and decides to pursue curative/aggressive treatment?
Does hospice care continue after death?
Do state and federal reviewers inspect and evaluate hospices?
How can I refer a patient to hospice services?
- Who is eligible for hospice care?
Hospice services are available for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less, if the disease or illness runs its normal course and that choose comfort care rather than curative care. Although aggressive treatment to cure the disease/illness is no longer the focus hospice does aggressive treat pain and other symptoms.
Go to top of page - Who provides hospice care?
Hospice care is provided by a team of professionals consisting of physicians, hospice nurses, hospice aides, medical social workers, hospice chaplains, bereavement counselors and volunteers.
Go to top of page - What services does hospice provide?
Hospice services vary based on the needs of the individuals and families. The basic services include visits from hospice nurses and other healthcare professionals who focus on pain and symptom relief, personal care, education, spiritual/emotional support and bereavement services.
Go to top of page - When should I consider hospice for my patients?
When facing a life-limiting illness whether it is chronic or acute, we recommend discussing all options available regarding the care of the patient, including hospice. It’s never too early to receive information regarding hospice services. The transition into hospice care is usually much easier when patients and families have already met with a representative and have an understanding of the services. The number one comment families report on survey’s after the death of their loved one is "We wish we would have known about hospice services earlier."
Go to top of page - Who decides if a patient receives hospice services?
Often times you are the first person who will bring the concept of comfort care to the patient. We have heard from many of our patients and families that they were just waiting for their healthcare provider to recommend other options of care. The number one comment received back from family surveys is "We wish we would have known about hospice services earlier". Be the support your patient deserves. Call us today to discuss the ways we can partner together to provide quality care to your patients.
Go to top of page - Will I still be involved in my patients care?
Yes. You play an important role in your patient’s care. The Care Team will communicate with you on a regular basis. Also, Hospice physicians will consult with you to provide the best care possible to your patients. Some physicians transfer their patient’s care to hospice physician. If you decide to transfer your patient’s care to a hospice physician then you will simply write an order to transfer care.
Go to top of page - Who pays for hospice?
Hospice services are covered 100 percent by Medicare and Medicaid. Many private insurance companies also have hospice benefits. Generally, hospice care provides financial relief to those with a life-limiting illness because all services related to that illness, such as medication, equipment and supplies, are covered by a Medicare/Medicaid hospice benefit. Samaritan has a Financial Assistance Program available for individuals and families who are not covered under private insurance or government assistance. No patient or family will be denied services due to a lack of financial resources.
Go to top of page - Where will my patient receive hospice care?
In most cases, care is provided in the patient’s home but may also be provided in hospitals, nursing homes, independent living facilities, assisted living facilities or group homes. Hospice services are available to individuals with a life-limiting illness of any age, religion, or race. Our care team partners with families and on-site caregivers wherever care is provided.
Go to top of page - How does hospice manage pain and other symptoms?
With a combination of medication, counseling and therapies, most individuals can reach a level of comfort that is acceptable to them. An individual's comfort and quality of life remain our number one priority. We review pain and symptom control regularly to assure that the patient is receiving the best possible treatment we can provide. We believe in the importance of attending to emotional and spiritual pain as well.
Go to top of page - How often will MY PATIENTS receive visits?
Care is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The frequency and level of care varies depending on the needs of the patient, family members and loved ones. Hospice visits are based on specific needs, the care plan and the condition of the patient. Your patients can expect to receive multiple visits from our specially trained staff throughout each week. We respect that most people have busy lives so we will do our best to set visit times that our convenient for the patient and family.
Go to top of page - Doesn't accepting hospice care mean my patient is giving up hope?
Hospice involves understanding that most diseases in their advanced stages cannot be cured. It does not mean giving up hope. Hospice focuses on helping the individuals achieve comfort and quality of life. The Samaritan Care Hospice Team is here to support patients and families wherever they may be along the journey to acceptance. We find hope in helping patients and families achieve the highest possible level of comfort, quality of life and dignity.
Go to top of page - What if my patient changes his/her mind and decides to pursue curative/aggressive treatment?
It is the patients decision to receive hospice care and they can change that decision at any time. There may be times where hospice is no longer appropriate, because the patients condition may improve or they may change their mind and decide to pursue curative/aggressive treatment. They can always receive hospice services at a later time if necessary.
Go to top of page - Does hospice care continue after death?
Yes, Samaritan Care Hospice of Florida provides continuous support to the family for at least 13 months after their loved one passes, including grief support and bereavement services. We provide support groups, educational seminars, memorial services and one on one counseling and support. We also provide mailings that have valuable information to assist throughout the grief process.
Go to top of page - Do state and federal reviewers inspect and evaluate hospices?
Yes. Hospice programs must meet state licensure requirements to deliver care to patients. In addition, hospices must comply with federal regulations to be approved for reimbursement under Medicare. Hospices must also comply with regulatory standards to maintain their license to operate and the certification that permits Medicare reimbursement.
Go to top of page - How can I REFER A PATIENT TO HOSPICE SERVICES?
You can simply call us. We can meet with patients and families anytime to give additional information so they can make the best decision regarding their care. Once we receive the referral a hospice professional will meet with the patient and family to determine their needs and individualized care plan.
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