HOSPICE CARE OUTSIDE THE
HOME
Hospice services can be provided to a person
who has a life-limiting illness wherever that
person lives. This means a person living in a
nursing facility or long-term care facility can
receive specialized visits from hospice nurses,
home health aides, chaplains, social workers, and
volunteers, in addition to other care and services
provided by the nursing facility.
A growing number of hospice programs have
their own hospice facility or have arrangements
with nursing homes, hospitals, or inpatient
residential centers that care for people who
cannot be cared for at home.
CHOOSING A HOSPICE PROVIDER
Choosing a hospice is a very important
decision. While all hospice programs may have
the same basic philosophy of care, each is
different in some ways. Hospice programs are
very willing to answer questions and assist in
determining which hospice can best meet the
needs of a particular patient and family.
95% of hospice care is given in the home. The
home is defined by where the patient lives, not
necessarily their permanent residence. This can
include a residential home, nursing home, skilled
nursing facility, hospital, etc. Everyone in Florida
can be served by hospice.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
• What services does the hospice provide?
• Will the program cover the cost of the
patient’s medications (provide a list of the
patient’s medications)?
• Does the hospice provide all levels of care?
• How many times per week will a nurse and
other hospice staff visit?
• Are home health aides readily available
from the hospice?
• How many hours of home health aide
support can be expected each week?
• Who is the hospice physician and will
he/she work with the patient’s physician
to provide care? Are they hospice and
palliative care board certified?
• What facilities does the hospice use for
inpatient care?
• What facilities does the hospice use for
respite care?
• Will volunteers be assigned?
• How many hours of support from
volunteers can be expected each week?
• If the patient or family is unhappy with any
aspect of the program, what will be done to
address the problem?
• If this hospice program is chosen, how soon
can services be started?
• What support does this hospice provide to
the family after the patient dies?
• What does the hospice admission process
include?
• How does the hospice manage pain?
• How are families involved in the patient’s
care?
• Who handles the paperwork for the
insurance billing?
If you have any additional questions regarding how to
choose a hospice, call our Consumer Hotline at
800- 282-6560 or email us at info@floridahospices.org.
End of Life
HOSPICE
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