"Hospice represented a sense of control for me . . . Hospice gave me strength on days when I couldn't bear anymore."
What is Hospice care?
Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice offers a special kind of caring for dying people, their families and their caregivers. The goal of Hospice care is to treat the physical needs of the patient and their emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Hospice provides dignified, high-quality compassionate care that enhances the lives of dying people in our community. Hospice concentrates on making the patient as free of pain as possible so they can make the most of the time that remains to them. Hospice believes the quality of life to be as important as the length of life.
Who would be a candidate to use Hospice?
At any time during a chronic or life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss the various options for care, including Hospice. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and are always available to discuss them with the patient, family and physician. Hospice provides support and comfort care to people with a terminal illness who can no longer benefit from curative treatment, and who have a life expectancy measured in months rather than years.
How do you begin getting Hospice care?
To inquire about Hospice care, please call Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice at (330) 297-8899. A Hospice staff member will evaluate the need for Hospice care, how Hospice care can best help the patient and family, and will contact the patient’s physician to make sure he or she agrees that Hospice care is appropriate at this time.
Does insurance cover this cost?
Insurance coverage for Hospice care is widely available through most private health insurance policies. To be sure of coverage, families should, of course, check with their employer or health insurance provider. However, no one is denied Hospice care, regardless of the ability to pay.
What does Medicare cover?
When a Medicare-eligible patient receives services from a Medicare-approved Hospice, such as Robinson Visiting Nurse & Hospice, the Medicare Hospice Benefit covers the entire cost of services and supplies related to the terminal illness.
These may include:
-
Professional caring by the Hospice Team, including nurses, home care aides, social workers, chaplain, and volunteers
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Medications to manage symptoms and relieve pain
- Short-term inpatient and respite care
- Supportive care for the bereaved family\
What should you look for in a Hospice program?
To receive services covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit, the agency providing Hospice service must be Medicare-approved. Robinson Visiting Nurse & Hospice meets this requirement and more! In addition, residents of Portage County and the surrounding area can be assured that Robinson Visiting Nurse & Hospice has also achieved the highest standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
Do you have strangers in your home all the time once you are in Hospice?
Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice works with you to develop a Plan of Care for treatment. This includes individualized recommendations for the types of services that may be required. While a specialized team of caring professionals is ready to assist you, visits will be planned with you, and will be scheduled intermittently and at your convenience.
How does Hospice help the family after the patient dies?
Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for 13 months following the death of a loved one. This may include individual and family counseling and a variety of special programs offered throughout the year. Additionally, Robinson Visiting Nurse & Hospice offers
no-cost grief support groups for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a family member, a friend, or a loved one.