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Home Care, Hospice & Medical Equipment

Intermountain Homecare - Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice

1. When should the decision to enter a hospice program be made, and who should make this decision?
At any time during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice. The final decision belongs to the patient. Most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping an all-out effort to beat their disease. Intermountain Hospice staff members are very sensitive to these concerns and are readily available to discuss them with the patient, family and physician.

2. Should I wait for my physician to recommend the option of hospice, or should I raise the subject?
The patient and family members should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other medical professionals or clergy.

3. What if my physician is not familiar with hospice?
Most physicians know about hospice care. Additional information is available from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, medical societies, state hospice organizations or through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: www.nhpco.org. Each local Intermountain Homecare Hospice Medical Director is also available for consultation.

4. What if a hospice patient shows signs of recovery? Can he or she return to regular medical treatment?
Certainly. If improvement in the medical condition occurs and appears to be in remission, the patient can be discharged from hospice and return to regular medical treatment. A discharged patient may later return to hospice care. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances will allow additional insurance coverage.

5. What does the hospice admission process involve?
Intermountain Homecare will first contact the patient's physician to ensure that hospice care is appropriate for each patient. The patient will be asked to sign a consent for treatment and insurance forms. These are similar to hospital admitting forms. Each hospice patient will also sign the hospice election form, which says that the patient understands care is aimed at comfort rather than curative. This form also outlines the services available.

6. Will there be any special equipment or changes needed in my home before hospice care begins?
Intermountain Homecare will assess your needs and recommend any necessary equipment, and will make arrangements to obtain it. Often the need for special equipment is minimal at first and will increase as the disease progresses.

7. How many family members or friends are required to care for a patient in the home?
There is no set number. The Intermountain Homecare hospice team will work with you to develop an individualized plan of care, which includes the amount of caregiver support needed. Intermountain Hospice team members will visit regularly and are easily accessible to answer questions and provide support.

8. How difficult is it to care for dying loved one at home?
It is never easy and can be very hard. Nights especially can be very long, lonely and scary at the end of a long progressive illness. Intermountain Homecare staff are available 24 hours a day to consult with the family and to make night visits if necessary.

9. What specific support or assistance does Intermountain Homecaree provide for hospice patients?
Each patient is cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, home health aides, therapists, chaplains and volunteers. Hospice also provides medications, medical supplies, equipment and additional helpers in the home, as appropriate.

10. Does hospice do anything to speed up the dying process?
Hospice does nothing either to speed up or to slow down the dying process. The primary focus of care is to appropriately manage symptoms and to provide comfort and support to each patient and family.

11. Is hospice care only provided in the home?
No. Although most hospice services are provided in the patient's home, some hospice patients live in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities.

12. How does Intermountain Homecare "manage pain"?
Intermountain Homecare hospice physicians and nurses are up-to-date on the latest medications and treatments for pain and symptom control. Physical and occupational therapists help patients to be as mobile and independent as possible. Intermountain Homecare recognizes that spiritual and emotional pain are as real a physical pain. Social workers and chaplains are available to assist family members as well as patients.

13. What is Intermountain Homecare's success rate in battling pain?
Very high. Using a combination of medications, therapies and counseling, Intermountain Homecare clinicians allow most patients to attain an acceptable level of comfort.

14. Will medications prevent hospice patients from speaking or knowing what is happening?
Usually not. The goal of hospice is to help patients be as alert and as comfortable as they desire. This is achieved through ongoing consultation with patients and family members.

15. Is Intermountain Homecare affiliated with any religious organization?
Intermountain Homecare is not affiliated with any church or religious organization. While some religious organizations have started hospices, they do not require patients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs. Intermountain Homecare respects each patient's religious or spiritual preferences.

16. Is hospice care a covered insurance benefit?
Intermountain Homecare provides care to patients with Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. To be sure of coverage, families should check with their employer or health insurance provider, or contact the Intermountain Homecare nearest you.

17. What if a patient is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or any other health insurance? Will Intermountain Homecare still provide care?
Yes! Through generous community support, corporate donations and memorial gifts, Intermountain Homecare provides end-of-life care services to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

18. How are families supported after their loved one dies?
Intermountain Homecare provides regular contact and support to family and friends for a least one year following the death of a loved one. Bereavement support groups (open to the community) and education materials are also provided.

19. If a patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be any additional expenses?
Medicare covers all services and supplies related to the terminal illness. Hospices may charge a five percent or $5 co-payment for medication or for respite care. While other hospice providers charge this co-payment, Intermountain Homecare chooses not to.