Home :
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is hospice and how is it different from “home care”?
Hospice is a program designed to provide comfort and care to patients and their loved ones in the final stages of life. It involves a team of professionals that are committed to supporting the patient’s wishes and alleviating discomfort related to their disease process. Often, people feel it is an overwhelming or impossible task to care for a loved one at home, but with the help of the hospice team, it can be one of the most treasured, precious times in a family’s life. The patient and family’s needs and wishes are respected and the hospice team does everything possible to honor them.
Whereas home care is designed as a service to help individuals physically with skilled care needs following acute illness, hospice is specially designed to provide end of life care from a physical, emotional, and spiritual standpoint.
What is the goal of hospice?
The goal of hospice is always COMFORT. Upon admission, we put measures in place to prepare the patients and loved ones for situations that may arise. Medications are made available so that if a patient shows any sign of discomfort, treatment can take place immediately versus having to wait or go to a hospital.
Hospice also recognizes the emotional and spiritual impact that the patient’s illness has on the entire family and offers assistance of social workers, chaplains, volunteers, and bereavement specialists.
What makes St. Paul Hospice unique from other hospice programs?
St. Paul Hospice offers many creative and innovative methods to increase comfort, provide pain relief, and attend to the needs of both the individual and their loved ones. In addition to the typical hospice service, we offer aromatherapy, healing touch, pet companionship, music therapy, and a service to assist the individual in recording their memories and messages for their loved ones to keep as a remembrance.
In addition, we provide a very meaningful “Departure Ceremony” upon the death of an individual and provide a special tribute of song and prayer as the person’s body is escorted from their place of residence.
Does hospice serve individuals with an illness other than cancer?
Yes, today cancer diagnoses account for less than half of hospice admissions. Other diagnoses include heart and lung diseases, dementia, and other chronic, disabling conditions.
I am still waiting for my doctor to bring up hospice. Shouldn’t he/she bring it up first?
While it is true that two doctors must certify the terminal prognosis and need for hospice, the patient and family are encouraged to speak freely to their physician about their end of life wishes and have an open communication about hospice care. Anyone, including the patient and family, can make an initial referral to be assessed for hospice.
What if I live in an assisted living, nursing home, or resident care facility?
You are still eligible to receive the hospice benefit. The professional hospice team will work in collaboration with your other caregivers to provide you with the best comfort care possible regardless of what setting you are in. Individuals in facilities also have access to all of our specialized services such as Therapeutic Music, Healing Touch, and Aromatherapy.
What would I do if a situation arises in the middle of the night or on the weekend when my physician is not available?
Hospice is on-call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. If an issue arises after business hours, hospice is just a phone call away. A licensed nurse is available to provide instructions over the phone or even make a visit to help resolve the issue.
How do volunteers help?
Our hospice volunteers are invaluable. They attend to the individualized needs of the person receiving hospice care and their loved ones. Some of the services they provide may include:
- Personal visits or telephone calls to offer companionship, emotional support and friendship
- Read, write letters, play games, share music
- Assist with household chores and errands
- Help staff with office tasks and special projects
- Pray with and/or for individuals and family members in hospice care
Are there any bereavement programs available for family members?
Yes, the St. Paul Hospice Team offers bereavement services to family members following the death of their loved one. The team, who has already formed a special bond with the family, remains available at this difficult time to walk with them through their grief experience. Our monthly support group, Journey of Hope, is available to not only our hospice families, but to the general public. These services are offered at no charge. Please contact our Bereavement Coordinator at 920-766-6180 for more information.
What is St. Paul Elder Services Hospice service area?
St. Paul Hospice Services assists individuals and their families in the following counties: Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, Outagamie, and Winnebago.
Is St. Paul Elder Services Hospice an NHPCO member?
Yes, we are a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). In 2004, the NHPCO developed the Family Evaluation of Hospice Care (FEHC) tool, a 61-item survey that asks questions about families' perception of the care provided to the patient, as well as their own hospice experience. The survey assesses multiple areas of delivery of quality care. NHPCO member organizations may receive a detailed report that compares their individual program results to state and national outcomes. This survey is valuable because it provides useful and meaningful data, thereby furnishing hospices with a valid means of ensuring quality of care. Copies of our survey results are available upon request. St. Paul Hospice Services is also a member of the Hospice Organization and Palliative Experts (HOPE) of Wisconsin and has Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPN) on staff.
This all sounds good, but I don’t think we can afford hospice!
Hospice is a Medicare benefit. Anyone who is eligible to receive Medicare benefits, can receive hospice at no charge as long as they meet the criteria for the program. Hospice is also covered by Medicaid and many insurance companies. St. Paul Elder Services is passionate about providing quality end of life care and feels a responsibility to assist those in need. No person is turned away regardless of their ability to pay.
We don’t have the right equipment and supplies to take care of our loved one.
Hospice pays for all the equipment and supplies related to keeping the patient comfortable. This may include an electric bed, alternating pressure mattress, wheelchair, walker, commode, over the bed table, and oxygen. Hospice also pays for some incontinence products, wound supplies, and other miscellaneous items related to keeping one comfortable.
What is not covered by Medicare?
Room and board, treatment intended to cure your terminal illness, and prescription medications not being prescribed for symptom control or pain relief. It is important to work with your hospice team to arrange any of your care needs as ambulance transportation, emergency room cost and inpatient facilities are not covered unless arranged through Hospice.
What does it mean to “graduate” from hospice?
On rare occasions, an individual’s condition may stabilize or steadily improve to the point where they no longer meet the criteria for Medicare’s definition of hospice. In those situations, the hospice team works to transition the individual by securing ongoing care in a palliative care program.
If I chose to discontinue hospice in order to resume medical treatment, does that mean I waive the right to qualify for hospice benefits again in the future?
An individual may change their mind and decide to accept active medical treatments for their condition in which case they may choose to have their hospice benefit discontinued. This does not mean that they waive their hospice benefits forever. Should they ever qualify again in the future, hospice remains an option.
Where can I call to obtain more information and talk to someone about Hospice?
The St. Paul Hospice staff member will be happy to talk to you and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to call us at (920) 766-6180 or email at ellenc@stpaulelders.org.