HOSPICE CARE
A Special Way of Caring for Persons with Terminal Illness
We help patients achieve physical, emotional and spiritual comfort so that they can concentrate on living life as fully as possible, for as long as possible.
Realistically, one person can’t meet all the needs of a seriously ill person. For this reason, hospice uses a team approach. Members of the hospice team schedule regular visits to the patient’s home.
Family members are directly involved in making decisions and in helping to care for the person they love.
To keep spirits up, patients are encouraged to take part in family activities and to make the most of each day.
The hospice nurse works with the patient’s doctor to keep the patient physically comfortable. If desired, hospice aides can assist the family with physical care of the patient such as bathing and grooming.
Social workers encourage patients and family members to express how they think and feel. The social worker can also assist with practical issues -- such as transportation and financial assistance.
Volunteers come to the home or place of residence to provide companionship for the patient and to offer relief for the family caregivers.
The spiritual care providers offer appropriate spiritual support to patients and families, exploring meaning in illness through their own spiritual and/or religious resources and respecting patient's beliefs and values.
Family or friends providing care can also call with concerns at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A hospice professional will provide support over the phone or make a visit, if needed.
After a death, hospice helps family and friends deal with their grief through individual and family counseling and support groups.
NVHADS Statistical Comparison
MEASURE |
NVHADS |
California |
National |
Patient Comfort - Pain controlled within 48 hours of admission |
100% |
59% |
65% |
Overall Patient Satisfaction |
4.89 |
4.85 |
|
Overall Physician Satisfaction |
3.86 |
||
% of Patients who wished to avoid hospitalization who were hospitalized |
0.0% |
0.19% |
0.43% |
% of Patients who wished to avoid CPR who received CPR |
0.0% |
0.03% |
0.01% |
% of Patient Care Hours Provided by Volunteers (≥ 5% required) |
22% |
6.1% |
Hospice is a complete system of care and support for persons facing the end of life. Hospice professionals focus on providing comfort, symptom alleviation and specialized end-of-life services in a supportive and dignified environment, with the goal of allowing the patient and family to experience the highest quality of life possible.
When cure is no longer an option, hospice services allow individuals to receive care in the comfort of their home or residence. The hospice team, including the patient’s personal physician, work with the patient and family to tailor a plan of care focused on each person’s individual needs and help caregivers know what to expect in the course of the illness.
ELIGIBILTY
Those with a life-limiting illness are eligible for Hospice services, and no one is turned away for inability to pay.
SERVICES PROVIDED
All hospice services are focused on comfort and quality of life, and include: pain and symptom management/alleviation; personal care; counseling; specialized services related to end-of-life issues; and respite and bereavement support for loved ones.
Services are provided at the patient’s place of residence, whether in the home, or in an assisted-living or skilled-nursing facility. Services are available both on a scheduled basis, and on an on-call basis 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Each patient is assigned a care team comprised of our Hospice Medical Director, the patient’s physician, registered nurses, medical social workers, spiritual care providers, hospice aides, bereavement counselors and trained volunteers. This team works with the patient and his/her family to provide a comprehensive program of medical, emotional and spiritual support.
PAYING FOR HOSPICE
No one is turned away from care because of inability to pay or insurance coverage. Hospice care is funded through Medicare, Medi-Cal and many private insurance plans, so Napa Valley Hospice bills the patient’s insurance provider. Unreimbursed care and services are supported through charitable contributions, including individual donations, memorials, grants and in-kind gifts.
STARTING HOSPICE
A physician’s referral starts the process of receiving services. Your physician, in conjunction with the Hospice Medical Director, will determine if hospice services are appropriate. If your family is interested in beginning hospice services for a loved one, a conversation with your physician or our medical director might be the first step.
After physician referral, hospice representatives meet with the patient and family members to discuss the program and options for beginning care. This happens within 24 hours of your physician's referral. If the patient desires to start services, the hospice team develops an individual plan of care and services begin.