FAQ
What is Hospice?
Hospice care is a holistic care plan that addresses the physical, emotional and social needs of the patient, their families and their caregivers during end of life care. Hospice is based on the belief that terminally ill individuals have the right to choose how they spend the rest of their life and that they have the right to live as pain free as possible.
Where is Hospice care provided?
Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a place. Most often, hospice care is provided in the patient’s home, however, care can also be provided in nursing homes or other long-term facilities, hospice inpatient facilities, or hospitals.
When should I call Hospice?
Many of our patients are referred by their physician after curative treatments are no longer an option.
The decision to enroll in hospice is made by the patient in consultation with family members and their
doctor. Many of our patients are referred by their physician but Hospice of Davidson County accepts
referrals from anyone - family, friend, minister, or someone who cares.
Am I giving up hope by choosing Hospice?
Choosing hospice does not mean giving up hope. There is always hope, but the focus of that hope is shifted to comfort and quality of life. Hospice offers the expertise of nurses, social workers, certified nursing assistants, a chaplain, and trained volunteers to support and guide both patients and families through this most difficult time.
Who can receive Hospice care?
Many people associate hospice with cancer, but hospice is available for anyone with any life-threatening illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Other diseases may include, but are not limited to, end-stage heart, lung, liver and kidney diseases; stroke and coma; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia, AIDS and other end-stage neurological diseases.
What are the criteria for admission to Hospice of Davidson Co?
Generally Hospice of Davidson County serves patients who live in Davidson County. To receive care the patient’s doctor and the hospice medical director must certify that the patient is terminally ill and probably has six months or less to live. The patient must also have a primary caregiver who agrees to participate in hospice care. Persons without a full-time caregiver must agree to make alternate arrangements when self-care is no longer feasible.
How do I pay for hospice?
Hospice of Davidson County accepts patients regardless of ability of pay. Medicare, Medicaid, Champus, and most private insurance plans offer a hospice benefit to cover medication for pain relief and symptom management, medical supplies and equipment, specialty therapies, inpatient care, respite care, and continuous care in the home during periods of crisis.
What services will I receive?
Nurses focus on pain control and symptom management and visit at least weekly. A nurse is available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A social worker also provides services to patients and their caregivers. Their role is to identify and coordinate resources and offer emotional support. Other team members are available if needed: a chaplain for spiritual support and counseling, certified nursing assistants to provide personal care or light housekeeping, and volunteers who can stay with the patient 2-3 hours a week. We also offer bereavement care for families for at least a year after a patient dies, as well as bereavement services for the community in general.
Can I have Hospice and reside in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Yes. Hospice of Davidson County has a specialized team who provide care for residents in skilled nursing homes, assisted living residences, rest homes, and retirement communities—wherever you call home. The team also collaborates with the doctor and facility staff in pain and symptom management and offers education on patient care, family needs, grief and loss.
Will my regular doctor be involved?
Yes. Hospice works closely with your doctor to give you the care you need.
The Hospice Medical Director is also available for consultation to the Hospice team.
What is HIPAA?
HIPPA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.
[Link to HODC Notice of Privacy Practices.]
What is the difference between hospice care and home health services?
Hospice is a specialized health care that focuses on quality end of life care for the individual with a terminal illness and their family. It offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach to caring for the whole person, focusing on the management of pain and other physical, emotional, psychosocial or spiritual symptoms/issues. Home health focuses on rehabilitation, providing primarily skilled nursing services.
Does Hospice of Davidson County do anything to make death come sooner?
No, Hospice of Davidson County does nothing to either artificially prolong life or hasten death. Our mission is to affirm the significance of human life and recognize dying as a natural process, and to enrich the quality of life for people with limited life expectancies and their loved ones.
Can I be in Hospice for longer than six months?
Yes. After two 90-day periods, patients may be placed in 60-day periods as long as the patient remains Hospice appropriate.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care focuses on comfort care rather than curative treatment. Pain and symptom management are both very important in comfort care.
