Facts About Hospice
Helpful Information About a Misunderstood Service | Access VNA Hospice Here
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Hospice makes a meaningful difference in quality of life. It does not hasten death.
Perhaps the most significant misconception about hospice is that it’s intended to hasten death. In reality, its purpose is to ensure the best, most comfortable quality of life. In fact, several research studies have found that patients who received hospice care had a better quality of life and lived an average of three months longer than those who received standard care. |
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Hospice can be provided at home or at a dedicated facility.
Hospice is a care philosophy. Based upon patient and family preferences, this care can be provided either at the patient’s residence or an inpatient facility. VNA Hospice serves patients in private residences, senior living facilities and nursing homes. VNA also operates its own 12-bed Inpatient Hospice Unit at Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital. |
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Hospice isn’t restricted to patients with certain illnesses.
Anyone who has a life-limiting condition, with a prognosis of six months or less, can receive hospice under Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance plans. However, life expectancy estimates aren’t always precise, so the service isn’t limited to six months. Patients occasionally transition back to standard medical care based on changes in their condition. |
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The patient and their family can choose a hospice provider and start date.
A common myth about hospice is that it should commence after the patient experiences debilitating pain and symptoms. In truth, hospice is most beneficial when it begins as soon as the patient receives a life-limiting diagnosis. If a physician doesn’t proactively recommend it, the patient, or their designated family caregiver, can request it. Furthermore, under Medicare and most insurance plans, the patient can choose a hospice provider. While all providers must adhere to certain regulatory requirements, the caliber of care and support they provide is quite varied. If you or a loved one have had a positive experience with VNA of Northern NJ, you can elect to receive hospice care from us if it should be needed. |
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Patients and their families have a say in their care plan.
Hospice care is based upon the needs and preferences of the patient and their immediate family. An individualized care plan is devised for every VNA Hospice patient and is frequently updated to respond to evolving needs. |
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Hospice support doesn’t end with the patient’s death.
Throughout the final phase of life, hospice should ideally address the needs of both the patient and their immediate family. Many organizations, including VNA, provide extended support in the difficult weeks and months following the passing of a loved one. VNA hospice social workers, chaplains and specially trained volunteers check in with family members and provide compassionate bereavement counseling to those who wish to receive it. |
