Hospice
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice is not a place, but a concept for healthcare delivery –it focuses on creating a natural and comfortable end-of-life experience for those dealing with a life-limiting illness – right at home.
The primary focus of hospice is on helping you to live peacefully, positively and as fully as possible through caring, not curing. Hospice care is provided in whatever place (home, assisted living center, or nursing home) you or your loved one resides.
What services does Family Hospice provide?
A team of specially-trained experts will work together to keep you and your family comfortable during the end of life journey. The physician, nurses, social worker, chaplain, home health aides and volunteers work with you and your family to identify your goals for the hospice experience, and develop and carry out an appropriate plan of care.
Whether the goal is relief from pain, desire to experience a meaningful event such as a wedding, the birth of a child, a birthday, resolving unfinished business, or is simply the hope for a restful night of sleep, the team can provide an array of supports such as:
Nursing and Related Services
Personal Care
Counseling and Linkage to Community Resources
Companionship
Spiritual Services
Bereavement Care
A Hospice nurse is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For times when your loved one is in a medical crisis, the Hospice benefit may cover more intense care in the home, or hospitalization if needed, to control symptoms.Additionally, at times you as a caregiver may become weary or have another important commitment. During these situations, we may provide intermittent respite services in the home or in a facility to enable you to rest or still participate in key events in your life.
How will I know I am ready for the Family Hospice service?
Call the VNA office at 724-463-8711 and one of our RN Case Managers will visit you at no cost to explain the services and help you to decide if Hospice is right for you or your loved one.
There are many signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for a discussion about Hospice services. When you and your family decide that pain management and comfort are the preferred goals for coping with your health challenges, hospice services may be appropriate for you.
Once the decision is made, the RN Case Manager will contact your physician, who will still be involved in your care. The RN will also handle the coordination of the full range of services available through the Hospice program.
You may also make the decision with your doctor or a social worker in the hospital or nursing home, and they can call us for you. Either way, the VNA is just a phone call away to help to arrange for services, and we can come to your home within a day.
Are these services covered by insurance?
Services are generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other third party insurance provider. Free or reduced-fee care is available to those who qualify.
The VNA's home health services are fully licensed by the Commonwealth of PA, certified by Medicare and Medicaid. For your convenience, the VNA staff submits all insurance claims on your behalf.
The goal of Family Hospice is to help you through the end of life journey in the most comfortable manner that meets your medical, social, emotional and spiritual needs, providing care with the utmost dignity and respect…right at home.
For immediate assistance, or to make a referral, contact us at 724-463-8711.To find out more about Hospice services, email us at services@vnaindiana.org