How much does hospice cost?
Hospice services are covered 100% by:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- VA benefits
- Most Private Insurance
- Oasis also accepts patient without any insurance
Where does hospice go? Is it a place?
Oasis Healthcare provides hospice services in patient's private homes, in Nursing Homes, and in Assisted Living Facilities. Hospice is not a place it is a way of caring for patients.
Can I keep my own physician?
Yes. Patients keep their physician and also have access to our Medical Directors and consulting physicians. Oasis HealthCare believes in a team approach and that team includes your primary doctor and your specialist.
Should I wait for my physician to talk to me about of hospice, or should I ask about hospice first?
Patient's and families should feel free to discuss hospice at any time with their physician, nurse or anyone else involved in their healthcare, like their home health nurses or community social worker. Many physicians hesitate to broach the subject of hospice because they don't want to destroy your hope. Frequently, they will continue to pursue treatment because they assume that's what you want. In other cases, such as congestive heart failure or COPD, it is difficult for them to predict the rate of a patient's decline. When a doctor does mention hospice, even casually, you should discuss it immediately. In fact, he or she may actually be relieved if you bring up the subject. It is important that you understand the benefits of curative vs. comfort care, and that you and your doctor share the same goals for maintaining quality of life.
Can we call Oasis HealthCare even if we don't think it's "time"?
Absolutely. An important part of our mission is providing education and guidance to families about any end-of-life care issue, whether or not they're on our program. You don't need a physician referral to call us for information. If it appears that hospice care would be beneficial, we will - with your permission - contact your doctor to discuss it. Oasis HealthCare believe in education and has a team committee to patient and family educations.
Does Oasis HealthCare require me to be homebound?
No. We encourage patients to do as much activity as they'd like to do to maintain a high quality of life. You are not required to be homebound to receive hospice services.
Can Oasis HealthCare manage my pain?
Absolutely. Oasis nurses and physicians are trained to handle pain management and we're up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. It's important to us that patient's live
What types of diseases are helped the most by hospice care?
Hospice is beneficial for anyone, of any age, with any life-limiting disease. Many patients have cancer, Oasis HealthCare also has great expertise in providing comfort and symptom control for patients in the final stages of lung, heart and kidney disease, Alzheimer's and other types of dementias, stroke, neuromuscular diseases, AIDS and many other illnesses. Hospice care can also be beneficial for people who are in a severe state of decline due to frailty or other disorders associated with aging.
What are some signs that a person may be ready for hospice care?
- An increase in pain, nausea, breathing distress or other symptoms;
- Repeated hospitalizations or trips to the ER;
- Failure to "bounce back" after medical set-backs occur;
- Increasing assistance needed for walking, eating, bathing, dressing and/or going to the toilet
What are some signs that our family could benefit from hospice care?
- You and other caregivers are physically and/or emotionally exhausted from caring for your loved one;
- Your family is feeling isolated because of care-giving demands or the uncertainties you feel about your loved one's future;
- The patient or members of your family appear to need emotional support to cope with the illness;
- You are overwhelmed by the physical, financial, emotional and spiritual concerns arising because of the illness.
Can a patient stop having hospice care?
Yes. Patients always have the right to choose what type of care they receive. If they and their physicians decide to try another approach, we will assist them in making that transition.