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Commonly Asked Questions
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is compassionate, comprehensive care that focuses on improving the quality of life for anyone facing a serious illness, regardless of diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. Palliative Care aims to reduce or eliminate pain and other physical symptoms and assist both the patient and family with emotional and spiritual needs.
What is the difference between Hospice and Palliative Care?
Palliative Care may begin at the time of a diagnosis and continues throughout the course of a serious illness. Palliative Care may be as simple as providing resources at the onset of a diagnosis, and as comprehensive as traditional Hospice Care.
Does Hospice & Palliative CareCenter provide services only to persons who have a short time to live?
NO. In fact, while Hospice & Palliative CareCenter continues to provide expert end-of-life care, programs and services have been designed to meet the needs of people dealing with concerns related to the diagnosis of any serious or life-threatening illness, regardless of prognosis or treatment options.
Does Hospice & Palliative CareCenter only serve patients who have cancer?
NO. Hospice & Palliative CareCenter also provides care for patients with Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), AIDS, chronic lung disease, congestive heart failure, and many other illnesses.
Does Hospice & Palliative CareCenter serve only adults?
NO. The programs and services of Hospice & Palliative CareCenter are designed to meet the needs of anyone dealing with a serious illness, regardless of diagnosis, prognosis or treatment. Children and their families are offered a specialized pediatric program, created to meet their unique needs and challenges. A team of professionals, specially trained in the care of children, provides a broad range of both clinical and supportive services.
Should I wait for my physician to discuss Palliative Home Health Care or Hospice Care?
Absolutely not. As a consumer, you're encouraged to explore all of your healthcare choices. Hospice staff will coordinate services with your physician, when necessary, as he/she directs your care. Medical care is provided under the direction of your personal physician or by the Hospice Medical Director, as appropriate.
How are programs and services of Hospice & Palliative CareCenter funded?
Services are provided to anyone regardless of ability to pay. Generally, services are reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid and by most private insurance. We rely upon financial support from memorial contributions, donations, church funding, special events, and the United Way to supplement specialized programs.
Is care provided only in the homes of patients?
NO. Although most Hospice & Palliative CareCenter patients receive care in their homes, services are available to residents of nursing homes, assisted living communities, group and rest homes, and at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, as appropriate.
What programs are available to people in the community who are grieving the illness or death of a loved one?
As always, counseling and bereavement services are available to patients and families cared for by the Hospice & Palliative CareCenter. Additionally, to meet the needs of our community, we have programs designed to serve anyone grieving the illness or death of a loved one. Individual counseling, group sessions and community workshops designed for both adults and children are available throughout the year under the guidance of professional counselors.
What is the benefit of accessing care from the Hospice & Palliative CareCenter?
There are many benefits. The most significant benefit is that the patient and family receive support and care from a specially trained team of clinical staff and volunteers. This care is designed to meet the medical needs of the patient and family, and to enhance emotional, spiritual and social well-being when dignity, comfort and peace-of-mind matter most. Lastly, hospice care – covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance providers – can ease the financial burdens of those facing a serious or life-limiting illness.
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