Hospice Questions and Answers

Choosing to go on hospice and who to use as a hospice provider are personal decisions. Many patients consult with family, and medical providers.

No, hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process but does nothing to either speed up or slow down the dying process.

Services Covered Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit (if included in the plan of care) Services Not Covered Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit • Physician Services • Nursing Care • Hospice aide/homemaker • Spiritual Counseling • Bereavement Counseling • Medical Social Services • Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy • Dietary counseling • Volunteer services • Durable Medical Equipment • Medical Supplies • Medications for symptom management and pain relief of the terminal illness and related conditions (must be pre-approved by hospice) • Short-term inpatient care for pain and symptom control • Short-term respite care

The hospice aide follows a plan of care developed by the RN Case Manager. Hospice Aide responsibilities may include: 1. Patient Bathing and Hygiene Hair and Nail Care 2. Assisting with Ambulation and Transfers 3. Dressing 4. Assisting with elimination 5. Linen Change 6. Range of Motion 7. Delivering supplies 8. Light Meal Preparation for the patient 9. Light housekeeping pertaining to the patient

Anyone with a life-limiting or terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of 6 months or less. Patients may not pursue life-prolonging, or curative treatments on hospice.

Yes, our bereavement program offers spiritual and emotional support to family members after the death of their loved one for 13 months. The amount of contact is determined by the needs and wishes of the patient’s family.

Medicare Hospice Benefits do not cover treatment for the terminal illness which is not for palliative symptom management and is not within the hospice plan of care. • Care provided by another hospice that was not arranged by the patient’s hospice • Ambulance transportation not included in the plan of care • Medications that are not related to the terminal illness • Visits to the emergency department without prior approval or arrangements by hospice • Inpatient care at non-contracted facilities • Sitter services or hired caregivers • Admission to the hospital without prior approval or arrangements by hospice • Lab studies, medical testing and/or any treatments not indicated

You may need special equipment. But you don't have to worry. You will have a case manager who will work with you upon admission to assess your needs and help with obtaining and necessary medical equipment. They will continue to reassess your needs throughout the continuum of care.

Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and private insurance for most plans. We will work with you to help get services covered.

Wings Over Texas Hospice team develops an individualized plan of care, with your input. The plan of care is based upon admission information, identified problems, needs and goals, physician orders for medications, treatments and care, timeframes, your environment and your personal wishes whenever possible. Effective pain management and nutritional support are important parts of your treatment. The plan of care includes five basic areas: • Physical care • Psychosocial needs • Spiritual needs • Bereavement care • Personal care and comfort The plan is reviewed and updated as needed, based on your changing needs. All medical information will be provided to assist you in participating in your plan of care. You must seek preapproval from Wings Over Texas Hospice for all treatments and services not included in the hospice plan of care. Medication and treatments are ordered by and given under the general supervision of your attending physician. With you help, we will create an updated list of your medications on admission. We will compare this list to the medications ordered by the physician. Our staff will continue to compare the list to the medications that are ordered, administered or dispensed to you while under our care so any discrepancies (such as omissions, duplications, potential interactions) can be resolved. Your Wings Over Texas Hospice nurse will also review with you what medications will be paid for by your insurance (i.e. Medicare) benefit.