FAQ
Myths, Questions, and Answers
Are Hospice patients obligated to die within six months of coming on hospice?
No. No one can determine the exact time a person will die. Hospice patients have a six month prognosis, meaning the average patient will probably die within six months or less, if their illness runs its natural course. About 20% of terminally ill patients live longer than the estimated six month prognosis.
What if you live more than six months? If your physician certifies that you continue to have a limited life expectancy, Medicare and most other insurers will continue to pay for your hospice care.
Does Hospice mean I have to give up my physicians?
No. Government regulations require hospice to work with the patient’s primary care physician. Zion’s Way Hospice coordinates a team of friendly professionals to work with your physician to help you with your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The Zion’s Way Hospice team consists of your personal physician, our medical director, case managers, nurses, social workers, certified nurse's aides, dieticians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, massage therapists, spiritual care counselors, bereavement coordinators, music therapists, art therapists and volunteers.
Are physicians the only people who can refer someone to Hospice care?
No. Anyone can give a referral for hospice. A hospice education counselor can meet with a patient and their family to explain hospice benefits in detail. However, hospice must receive permission from the patient’s physician before a hospice nurse can conduct a patient evaluation to determine eligibility for hospice services.
Does Hospice mean we're “giving up”?
No. Hospice means allowing for hope to receive the help you need at the time you need it. When you take the “S-I-C” out of HOSPICE, you are left with “H-O-P-E”. End of life care is a process. Zion’s Way Hospice does not hasten nor postpone the natural part of life we call death. We create an environment for higher quality of life by supporting our patients and their families during the end of life experience. Hospice manages the pain and symptoms associated with this process, allowing patients to live life to its fullest.
Does Hospice provide 24 hour care?
No. Hospice adds to the service already provided by the caregiver. Zion’s Way Hospice provides care in the patient’s home, nursing home, and hospital or care facility. Our staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies.
Does Hospice give medications that cause addictions?
No. You cannot create addictions in someone who is in severe pain at the end of life. The medication will address the pain first, before an addiction is even possible.
Are Hospice and Home Health the same?
No. Hospice is palliative care and Home Health is curative. Hospice care treats the symptoms only, alleviating pain and symptoms without eliminating the cause. Home Health is used at a time when an individual has experienced a critical episode requiring skilled needs such as IV care, diabetic education, physical therapy, skilled nursing, etc.
Is Hospice only for cancer patients?
No. Hospice is available to patients with all types of terminal diagnoses and has a set of symptoms for each diagnosis.
Does Hospice cost people and the government a lot of money?
No. Hospice saves the government $1.50 for every $1.00 spent on end of life care. Hospice care also saves money for the hospice patient.
Additional Resources:
Department of Health and Human Services/Eldercare
Hospice
Hospice Foundation of America
www.nationalhospicefoundation.org
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
