What is the hospice program of care?
The hospice program of care is compassionate, specialized health care and support for patients facing the advancing stages of any life-threatening illness such as cancer, Alzheimer's, AIDS, ALS, and end-stage heart or lung disease. Hospice of the Piedmont's services also include ongoing emotional support to patients and their loved ones as well as comprehensive bereavement support for the year following the patient's death.
How does the hospice program work? Who provides hospice care to patients?
Members of the hospice team - nurse, social worker, home health aide, volunteer and chaplain - make regularly scheduled visits depending on the needs and wishes of patients and their loved ones. Hospice personnel are teachers as well as health care providers. They teach loved ones or caregivers how best to care for the patient. The caregivers become knowledgeable in dispensing medication, caring for catheters and other methods of care. This is effective since the family members or caregivers feel they are doing everything possible to care for the patient. At the same time, they are receiving intermittent and expert help and advice from the hospice team members who come to their home on a regular basis.
Are all hospices the same?
No. Although all hospices specialize in care for the terminally ill, the quality of care and extent of services can differ widely among hospice care providers. Many hospices are part of large, for-profit health care systems while others operate as not-for-profit organizations. Hospice of the Piedmont is an independent, not-for-profit, community-owned health care provider and the oldest, most experienced hospice care provider in Charlottesville and nine surrounding counties. For more information about Hospice of the Piedmont, simply call toll-free 800 . 975 . 5501 or locally at 434 . 817 . 6900. For more information about hospice care providers throughout the United States, visit the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) website at www.nhpco.org.
Who can be admitted into the Hospice of the Piedmont program?
Any person facing the advancing stages of any terminal illness is eligible for hospice care. Hospice care is appropriate when the following conditions are met.
- The physician thinks the patient will live six months or less if the disease runs its normal course.
- The patient, family and physician agree and understand that the focus is on comfort (pain control and symptom management), not cure.
About 55 percent of hospice patients are cancer patients, but an ever-increasing number of patients with other diseases (including Alzheimer's, ALS, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and AIDS) receive hospice care.
Does Hospice of the Piedmont provide 24-hour nursing care in the home?
The Hospice of the Piedmont home care program does not routinely provide 24-hour nursing care in the home. However, continuous skilled nursing care is provided in the home for a short-term crisis period requiring complex symptom management. Typically, the Hospice of the Piedmont home care program provides intermittent, skilled visits on an as-needed basis to support the patient and primary caregiver. An on-call professional member of the patient care team is also available round the clock, seven days a week to answer questions and assist with emergencies.
Why would terminally ill patients choose hospice care?
Many patients who are diagnosed with a terminal illness want to live the remainder of their lives in the comfort, security and familiarity of home surrounded by those who love them. The patient and loved ones regain a sense of control over their care. The caregivers take comfort and pride in the fact that they are doing everything possible for their loved ones. Pain control and symptom management are the focus of the physical aspect of hospice care. Concentrating on living fully is easier when the patient's waking moments are not consumed by pain. At Hospice of the Piedmont, we help ensure quality of life for people faced with life-threatening illness. Our goal is to provide peace and comfort to the terminally ill and their loved ones. Some may feel that the hospice signifies no hope. With loss of good health, hopes change. Hope for survival may transform into hope for other goals...hope to live one's remaining days free from pain...hope to spend time with loved ones...hope for a good night's rest....hope for peace for loved ones. These are the hopes that terminally ill patients can realize, with the help of Hospice of the Piedmont.
Must a hospice patient be in acceptance of his/her death?
Although patients receiving hospice care must have a terminal diagnosis, patients may go through many stages of acceptance or non-acceptance. Patients are not pressured to discuss end-of-life issues. It is clearly the patient's choice.
Who can refer a patient to Hospice of the Piedmont?
Most referrals come from hospitals, family members, or physicians. Anyone--physician, family member, friend or neighbor, for example--can refer someone to hospice. A phone call to the Hospice of the Piedmont Admissions Department will begin the referral process. Call us locally at 434 . 817 . 6900 or toll-free at 800 . 975 . 5501.
Does Hospice of the Piedmont have a residential facility?
Yes. Hospice House is a beautifully restored Victorian home located at 501 Park Street in the historic district of Charlottesville.
How much does hospice care cost? Is it affordable?
Studies have shown that hospice care provides expert pain management and is more cost-effective than hospitalization. Medicare, as well as most health insurance carriers, has a benefit that covers the cost of hospice care. For more information, please contact the Hospice of the Piedmont Admissions Department at 434 . 817 . 6900 or toll-free at 800 . 975 . 5501.
How is Hospice of the Piedmont funded?
Approximately 85 percent of Hospice of the Piedmont revenue comes from insurance reimbursement for care. The other 15 percent comes from donations by individuals, businesses and foundations. As an independent, not-for-profit, community-owned health care provider, Hospice of the Piedmont relies on community support to provide compassionate, specialized health care and support for terminally ill patients and their loved ones. Our goal is to provide hospice care to all seeking our services, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospice of the Piedmont does not receive funding from local, state or federal governments.