1. When should a decision about entering a Hospice program be made and who should make it?

At any time during a serious illness, it's appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice services. The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy and/or friends. By law the decision belongs to the patient. Hospice staff members are always available to discuss concerns with the patient and family.

2. What does the Hospice admission process involve?

One of the first things the hospice program will do is contact the primary physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for this patient at this time. Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan has a full time medical director available to help clients who do not have a primary physician.  The client will be asked to sign consent and insurance forms. During the admissions process, hospice staff will assess needs, develop a care plan with the client and family and make arrangements for needed services and equipment.

3. What specific assistance does Hospice provide clients?

Hospice clients are cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, grief support counselors, home health aides, chaplains,  and volunteers - and each provides assistance based on his or her own area of expertise. In addition, Hospice provides medications, supplies, equipment and hospital services related to the illness.

4. Is Hospice affiliated with any religious organization?

No. While some churches and religious groups have started hospices, hospices serve a broad community and do not require clients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs. However, spiritual issues may be very important to some clients and family members.  Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan has chaplain services available upon client request.  The goal of hospice spiritual care is to help individuals and families discover, explore, nurture and honor their own spiritual beliefs to find comfort during difficult times.

5. Does Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?

Hospice neither hastens nor prolongs the dying process. Instead, Hospice seeks to support an environment in which the client is free from pain, isolation, and the fear of being abandoned or a burden. Hospice staff provide support and specialized knowledge during the dying process.

6. How does Hospice "manage pain"?

Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan works with the client and family to ensure that any pain concerns are addressed promptly. Hospice nurses and physicians are knowledgeable about the latest medications and interventions for pain and symptom relief.  Every effort is made to achieve continuous control over physical pain without impairing alertness.  Social workers and chaplains are also available to assist clients and family members in the management of emotional pain.  Additionally, nutritional, physical and occupational therapists may be consulted.

7. Is Hospice care covered by insurance?

Hospice coverage is widely available.  It is provided by Medicare nationwide, by Medicaid in 42 states, including Michigan, and by most private insurance providers. To be sure of coverage, families should check with their employer or health insurance provider.

8. If the client is not covered by Medicare or any other health insurance, will Hospice still provide care?

Yes. Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan accepts clients based on their need for care, not their ability to pay.

Hospice receives support from the United Way, as well as donations and annual gifts from individuals and organizations. These contributions enable us to provide services to those individuals with limited resources.

9. How difficult is caring for a loved one at home?

Caring for a loved one at home is never easy and sometimes can be quite difficult. However, Hospice is here to help.  Our staff visit regularly to provide medical assistance to the client along with teaching and support to family and friends.  As the client's needs increase, it may become necessary for someone to be with the client at all times. While family and friends do deliver most of the care, hospice provides volunteers to assist with errands and to allow a break and time away for primary caregivers.

10. Is caring for the patient at home the only place Hospice care can be delivered?

No. Although a high percentage of hospice clients are cared for at home, some clients live in nursing homes, other residential facilities, or a hospice residence such as Rose Arbor.

11. Can a Hospice client who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?

Certainly. If the client's condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, clients can be discharged from Hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on about their daily lives. If the discharged client should later need to return to Hospice care, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

12. Does Hospice provide help to the family after the client dies?

Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan offers continuing contact and support for caregivers for 13 months following the loss of a loved one. Individual home visits by a grief support counselor, educational mailings and a variety of grief support groups are available.

For More Information

To obtain additional information about hospice contact us using the e-mail link below or call Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan at 269-345-0273.