FAQ

Isn't accepting hospice care giving up?

No. Hospice care is patient-centered care emphasizing comfort, peace and quality of life. Hospice care is built on the belief that every day of every life matters. We aim to help patients facing a life-limiting illness live in comfort and with dignity. Just like an obstetrician provides specialized medical expertise and support at birth, hospice provides expertise and support during the dying process.

When is the right time to consider getting hospice care?

Anyone facing a potentially life-limiting illness should be aware of all the care options, including hospice care. Knowing when to consider hospice care is important for planning. Signs for serious consideration of hospice care are when the patient:

  • No longer responds as expected to treatments for the disease.
  • Expresses concern that the burden of treatment is outweighing the benefits.
  • Is in constant pain, or when other physical symptoms are not relieved.
  • Makes repeated, short-term trips to the hospital and/or emergency room.
  • Is despondent about his or her condition and quality of life.

Do I have to check my loved one into the hospice facility?

No, in fact the majority of our patients receive hospice care in their very own homes. We also provide hospice consultation in hospitals and other care settings. We can provide hospice care in assisted living and long term care facilities.

Is the decision to seek hospice care permanent?

No. If a patient's condition improves or if the patient and family so choose they can be discharged from hospice care. If the discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, they can resume services.

What's involved with caring for a love one receiving hospice care at home?

It varies from patient to patient, but we work with you to develop a personal care plan built around the patient's needs. Every patient of Aspen Hospice has an interdisciplinary team of experts assigned to his or her care. Care teams are made up of physicians, registered nurses and certified nursing assistances, counselors, chaplains and trained volunteers. Caregivers are taught to provide for patient needs. Nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide the support you need.

Will hospice medications leave my loved one incoherent or unable to talk?

We work to find the right balance for every patient, relieving pain without sacrificing alertness. This requires constant consulting with the patient and family, and sometimes regular adjustments to medication or other treatments.

Is hospice care covered by insurance?

Medicare and Medicaid both provide coverage for basic hospice services, and most private insurance policies have some hospice provision. Families should check with their health insurance provider specifically.

What kind of support is offered to patient families?

Hospice includes help for caregivers in the form of training and emotional support. In addition, Aspen Hospice provides 13 months of bereavement support following the death of a family member.

Is all hospice care the same?

No. Training, expertise, standards, level of personal attention, and availability of volunteers and complementary therapies can all vary widely. When you're considering hospice care, ask lots of questions and make sure you understand all your options, as well as the experience and reputation of the hospice providers available.

How is Aspen Hospice different?

Research shows there are 10 key things people want for a loved one facing a serious, life-limiting illness:

  1. Assurance that the patient's wishes are honored and respected.
  2. Choice among the types of treatments, care and services that are available.
  3. Pain and symptom control tailored to the patients wishes.
  4. Emotional support for the patient and their loved ones.
  5. An opportunity for the patient to put his/her affairs and life in order.
  6. Spiritual support for the patient and family.
  7. The option to choose where the patient will be cared for, including being able to remain at home.
  8. A team of professionals to offer comprehensive care for the patient.
  9. Continuity of caregivers, no matter where a patient resides.
  10. Comfort, dignity and understanding are critical aspects of the services requested.

The care we provide directly corresponds with these concerns.


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