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We ease the burden of coordinating delivery of medications and setting up hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, shower chairs, and other equipment and supplies. Our care plan is designed to all you to live comfortably in your own home or nursing facility, without the unnecessary stress of managing these details.
Most patient's insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance hospice benefit may cover 100% of medications, supplies, equipment, and medical services if they are authorized by the physician and are related to the patient's terminal diagnosis. Items or services recommended which are not related to the patient's terminal illness may be obtained by the patient, but will not be covered financially by the hospice.
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What does it entail to care for a loved one at home who is receiving hospice care?We take the time to create a personalized care plan catered to each patient's specific needs. Each of our patients is assigned a dedicated team of experts, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, certified nursing assistants, counselors, chaplains, and trained volunteers. Our compassionate caregivers are trained to provide exceptional care and support around the clock, every day of the week.
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Can you help me manage my pain and symptoms?Our doctors and care teams excel at pain and symptom management. We specialize in providing relief from the most complex symptoms of any disease. Your comfort is our top priority, and we work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the care you need. Our team evaluates and adjusts your medications and therapies on an ongoing basis to ensure that your treatment plan stays up-to-date with your changing needs.
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Is hospice care only available at a hospice facility, or are there other options available?The large portion of people under our care prefer staying in the coziness and familiarity of their own residence or another caregiving facility. We acknowledge the significance of being amid the affectionate company and surroundings you cherish. Consequently, our empathetic care professionals will visit you and collaborate with your loved ones or additional caregivers to meet your preferences and necessities.
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Is it possible to stop hospice care after starting it?At any point in the hospice journey, if the patient's health improves or if the patient and their family feel it's the best option, they can be discharged from hospice care. And if the patient ever needs to return to hospice care, our services will be readily available to provide the same level of care and support.
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What are the payment options for hospice care?If you or a loved one is in need of hospice services, it's important to note that both Medicare and Medicaid offer coverage for basics. Furthermore, many private insurance policies also include hospice provisions. We understand how daunting this process can be, so contacting your insurance provider is highly recommended.
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What resources are available to families of patients receiving care?We acknowledge the complexity and emotional nature that comes with caring for someone close to you. As a result, we extend our efforts to provide educational resources and emotional reinforcement for caregivers, ensuring they feel capable and backed in their endeavors. Additionally, we are dedicated to offering empathetic bereavement assistance to families during the trying moments that follow the passing of a cherished one.
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How do I get referred to hospice care?Patients require a physician referral to be admitted to our care. If necessary, we can assist in obtaining this authorization.
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When should I consider applying for professional care?If you or a loved one is dealing with a serious illness, it's essential to know that options are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Palliative care can work alongside medical treatments to relieve pain and stress. And when the time comes, hospice care can provide comfortable and compassionate end-of-life support. Being informed about your care options can make a world of difference in your journey.
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Will hospice drugs affect my loved one's cognitive function or ability to communicate?Our goal is to ease pain while maintaining their ability to stay alert. We achieve this through continuous collaboration with the patient and their loved ones, making necessary tweaks to medications and therapies as needed.
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Does applying for hospice care mean that I have lost hope?At a critical time in life, hospice care offers a choice on how to live to the fullest. It's not about giving up hope. It's about making intentional, informed decisions. Hospice care offers a supportive, comfortable environment for daily living, empowering patients to control their remaining days with dignity. Hospice care teams offer specialized knowledge and support during the final chapter of life, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care and emotional support to make the most out of their remaining days.
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Does every hospice provider offer the same level of care?Having awareness that the quality of hospice care can vary among providers is crucial. Factors like training, level of expertise, and access to volunteers and supplementary therapies can all influence the care received. As you search for suitable hospice care options for your loved one, take the time to ask questions and thoroughly investigate your choices. Being informed about the background and standing of your chosen hospice provider can offer reassurance and serenity during this challenging phase in life.
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Who will be responsible for my care?We have a caring team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, assistants, counselors, social workers, chaplains, pharmacists, and kind volunteers, all devoted to your well-being. They'll help you and your loved ones tailor a personalized plan of care that addresses your specific needs.
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Who is responsible for covering the cost of hospice care?You can rest easy knowing that Medicare benefits, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans frequently offer coverage for hospice care.
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What professionals make up the hospice IDG care team?In the final stages of a patient's journey, our team stands by their side to offer comprehensive support for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Our interdisciplinary team comprises hospice care management specialists who collaborate with the patient's primary physician. ● Nurses - Our group of proficient nurses is devoted to guaranteeing our patients experience the utmost comfort and receive the highest quality care. They not only address symptoms but also invest time in educating patients and caregivers on crucial subjects, such as self-care, medication administration, and upholding overall comfort. This dedication makes our team a prime choice for healthcare providers seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable approach to necessary care. ● Social Workers - As credentialed specialists, social workers focus on providing care to both individuals and the broader community. Their role includes assisting caregivers in locating suitable resources, offering invaluable emotional guidance and support, and contributing to advanced planning, like funeral arrangements. ● Certified Nursing Assistants - Understanding accredited nursing assistants (CNA) perform regular visits to offer tailored patient care and provide you and other caregivers with the essential knowledge and abilities required to support your patient's well-being. ● - Devoted volunteers aim to simplify life for patients and their caregivers. They possess extensive training and empathy, delivering crucial assistance such as companionship, respite for caregivers, and aid with minor tasks like completing errands and performing light housekeeping. ● Chaplains - Chaplains provide a compassionate ear that honors all worries, aspirations, and anxieties. Their non-denominational approach ensures that everyone feels heard and supported. ● Bereavement Coordinators - Bereavement Coordinators provide personalized counseling and facilitate meaningful support groups and workshops for families suffering loss. Pharmacists - Hospice pharmacists are here to support the IDG Care Team with expert consultations on medication management.
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Who is eligible for hospice care?Hospice services are aimed at those who have chosen to shift their focus from curative measures to finding comfort and relief from pain and symptoms. We also extend our services to those with a life expectancy of 6 months or less due to a particular condition as well as those who prefer not to receive extreme lifesaving or life-sustaining measures.
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What kind of care can my patient expect to receive from you?We're all about supporting your patient care, not taking over. Our fantastic team of skilled nurses is at your service 24/7, with a triage nurse on call to quickly respond to and address any concerns, day or night. And rest easy knowing that we provide: ● All the necessary durable medical equipment. ● Medications. ● Supplies related to your patient's terminal diagnosis at no cost to them or their loved ones. We strive to deliver exceptional care in collaboration with our patients' healthcare providers. We encourage the continuation of regular visits and treatments, as our objective is not to replace them. Instead, we act as partners to create a well-rounded, personalized healthcare experience for our patients. Maintaining open communication and working collectively ensures that each individual receives the care they deserve.
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Is it time to consider hospice care for my patient?If you're noticing that your loved patient is having trouble with mobility, consistent hospital visits, losing weight, getting recurrent infections, and having a decline in their mental and physical functions, then maybe it's time to consider hospice care.
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What are the components of hospice care?Our compassionate team includes skilled nurses who make regular visits to assist with medical needs, licensed social workers and chaplains to offer emotional and spiritual guidance, and medication management to ensure your loved one's comfort. We also provide durable medical equipment, offer nutritional counseling, and can arrange for respite care when caregivers need a break. For more advanced symptom management, we also offer inpatient care.
Q- Is my patient ready for hospice?
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Decline in function – difficulties with walking or transfers, recently bedbound
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Frequent hospital or emergency department visits
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Progressive weight loss
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Recurrent infections
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Increasing dependence for most Activities of Daily Living
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Declining mental function
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Multiple co-morbidities
Q- Who should receive Hospice Care?
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Patients who no longer seek curative treatment and have moved to comfort care with a focus on relief of pain and symptoms.
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Patients with a condition causing a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the disease runs it's natural course.
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Patient who refuse extreme lifesaving or life-sustaining measures.
Q- What is covered?
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Hospice care includes skilled nursing visits, spiritual and emotional services through chaplains and licensed social workers, medications for pain and symptoms caused by the terminal condition, durable medical equipment (hospital bed, wheelchair, walker etc.) nutritional counseling if needed, respite care to relieve caregiving responsibilities, and inpatient care for symptom management.
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Patients with a condition causing a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the disease runs it's natural course.
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Patient who refuse extreme lifesaving or life-sustaining measures.
Q- Who pays for hospice?
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Hospice is covered by a Medicare benefit, Medicaid and most private insurances
Q- Who is on the hospice IDG care team?
Each member of the Interdisciplinary team has special expertise in the management of physical, spiritual, and emotional needs that arise during end-of-life care. Our medical directors are physicians specializing in hospice care who collaborate with the patient’s attending physician and provide expert advice to the IDG care team.
Skilled nurses provide symptom management to improve the patient’s comfort. They provide patients and caregivers with education on personal care, use of medications, maintaining comfort, and other needs as they arise.
Social workers provide assistance in identifying community resources for caregiver support, advanced directives, and funeral home planning. These licensed professionals provide emotional counseling and anticipatory grief support
Certified nursing assistants and hospice aides (CNA) provide scheduled visits to assist with the patient’s daily living care and to educate family members and caregivers on how to meet the patient’s day to day care needs.
Hospice Volunteers are specially trained to support the needs of terminally-ill individuals and their families. They offer companionship, respite for personal caregivers, and simple household support (such as errands and light household chores).
Chaplains offers in-depth listening to the concerns, hopes, and fears of the patient and their loved ones using a non-denomination approach.
Bereavement coordinators support families in their grief following loss. Our bereavement coordinator offers individual counseling sessions, support groups, workshops, and occasionally sends informational material by mail.
Hospice pharmacists provide consultations to the IDG Care Team regarding medication management.
Q- How will you care for my patient?
Our goal is to be an extension of your patient care, not a replacement.
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An experienced and highly skilled nurse is available 24/7 to address concerns. After hours calls are directed to a triage nurse for assessment, and visits will be made any time day or night if needed.
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We provide all durable medical equipment, medications, and supplemental supplies related to the terminal diagnosis.
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There is no fee for services to the patients or family members for all care related to the terminal diagnosis.
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We provide care in conjunction to the patients person or private physicians. We do not replace care or request patients to discontinue visits to their primary physicians, rather we look forward to coordinating care together to ensure highest patient satisfaction.