 |
|
Learn More About Cottage In The Meadow  |
Hospice FAQs
What is Hospice? Hospice provides services that focus on comfort rather than cure for people with any end-stage, terminal illness. Hospice provides quality of life for the patient for whatever time remains, meeting not only the physical needs, but their spiritual and emotional needs as well. The person, not the disease, is the center of attention. In addition, hospice addresses the concerns of the person's family. How does someone get hospice care? Anyone can request information directly from us, or from their doctor or nurse practitioner, about hospice care. Your primary healthcare provider can help determine if hospice care is appropriate for you and contact us to make a referral for your admission to hospice care. If you don't have a primary care physician, visit the Find a Doctor link at www.yakimamemorial.org. How is hospice care delivered? Once a person and their family selects hospice care, a registered nurse and medical social worker help the person and designated family members develop a comprehensive plan of care that supports the person's values and choices. This plan of care includes, among other things, the physical, emotional and spiritual goals of the patient; the other team members desired; and the frequency of visits by each team member. Other team services made available to the patient and their families include: physicians, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, bereavement counselors and trained volunteers. Where is hospice care delivered? Memorial Hospice delivers care to people wherever they live: in private residences, in nursing homes, in assisted living and retirement communities, and in hospitals. When is the right time for hospice help? If you are diagnosed with an advanced illness, start the conversation with your doctor then. Memorial Hospice provides a continuum of services and resources appropriate for patients and families coping with advanced illness. We are committed to helping you find the best resources to meet your specific needs. How is hospice care paid for? Hospice services, equipment and medications related to the person's terminal diagnosis are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies. Thanks to the generous support of our community, hospice care is available to all who need it, regardless of their insurance coverage or ability to pay. Does Hospice do anything to make death come sooner? Hospice does nothing to either hasten or unduly prolong the dying process. Hospice provides expert knowledge and a compassionate presence during this very intimate, and often difficult, time for families. Hospice focuses on caring for the patient rather than working to cure the disease. Our services are designed to bring comfort, control pain and other symptoms; address the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their family and caregivers; and provide assistance in matters of practical concern. What kind of training do your volunteers receive? Patient companion volunteers must complete a comprehensive training program. Included in the training are the hospice history and philosophy, the concept of interdisciplinary team care and the medical, emotional and spiritual aspects of hospice care. Disease processes, stress relief and communication skills are also part of this very thorough training conducted by our Hospice staff and active volunteers. Prospective volunteers, like employees, are interviewed thoroughly by members of the management team. References are required and both criminal and driving records are reviewed. Who do I contact if I have more questions? Hospice staff members are happy to answer any of your questions and give you all the information you need by phone, letter or in person. Our office is located at 1019 S. 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our main phone number is 509-574-3600. |