Senior Resources South Central

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W HAT I S H OSPICE ? Q UALITY OF L IFE AT THE E ND OF L IFE

HAT IS HOSPICE?

neighbors, coworkers … anyone . It’s as simple as making a phone call to find out about eli- gibility and to make a referral. Hospice staff work with the patient, their family and person- al physician to help determine if hospice is the right choice and to provide more information about the benefits of hospice care. There are many different hospice providers in south cen- tral Wisconsin. When selecting a hospice for you or your family member, your choice should be based on reputation and quality standards. Submitted by Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care. Agrace is a nonprofit, community based hospice serving south central Wisconsin.

Hospice is a unique type of care that provides comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritu- al support for people with life limiting illnesses, their families, friends and their caregivers. Expert pain and symptom man- agement, along with compas- sionate counseling, help patients to live each day to the fullest, in their homes or a home-like setting, including nursing homes, assisted-living, residential facilities or hospice inpatient units. Hospice is deliv- ered through a team approach that includes the patient, their family and their personal physi- cian, along with hospice med- ical directors, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certi- fied nursing assistants, social workers, bereavement coun- selors, chaplains and volun- teers. Who is eligible for hospice services? Hospice is an option for peo- ple of all ages who are diag- nosed with a terminal illness, have a life expectancy of six months or less and a treat- ment goal based on comfort rather than a cure. Some of the most common terminal illnesses include heart, lung and kidney diseases; ALS; AIDS; Alzheimer’s disease; cancer and other life-limiting conditions. Who pays for hospice ser- vices? Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. In fact, the hospice benefit is

one of the most comprehen- sive Medicare benefit in healthcare today, covering services such as the in-home hospice team, medical equip- ment and prescriptions relat- ed to the illness, as well as inpatient hospice care for acute and respite stays. Who can make a referral to hospice? Anyone can refer someone for hospice—patients, physicians, family members, friends,

Want care at home?

(800) 9 30-2 770 | agrace.org

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