Question 1

What is hospice?

Accepted Answer

Hospice is a type of care tailored for individuals facing terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less. We provide patient-centered care that focuses on maintaining and improving quality of life on every level: physical, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual. Hospice supports the patient and their loved ones. Hospice tailors the care provided to each individual to meet their own special needs.

Question 2

How much does hospice cost?

Accepted Answer

Typically, there is no out of pocket cost for hospice care. Medicare and Medi-Cal, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care 100%. However, some insurance plans may require a co-pay. Because we believe everyone facing terminal illness deserves quality hospice care, we won’t turn anyone away based solely on an inability to pay.

Question 3

Where is hospice care provided?

Accepted Answer

Hospice used to be a place a dying person went in their final days. Today, however, hospice goes to the patient, wherever they call home: private residence, skilled nursing facility, assisted living, etc.

Question 4

Who is eligible for hospice?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who has a life-limiting, terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less and is no longer receiving curative treatments is eligible to receive hospice care. If you or a loved one are interested in receiving hospice services, or if are unsure if you qualify, please give us a call at 818-559-1460 or send us a message. We are more than happy to talk with you about your specific situation and our nurses can even meet with you in person for a full evaluation. This evaluation is available free of charge and with no obligation.

Question 5

What does hospice care provide?

Accepted Answer

Hospice provides a team of people including a Physician, Nurse, Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA), Social Worker, Spiritual Coordinator, Music Therapist, Volunteer, and more. We also provide medications to manage symptoms related to the terminal illness, medical equipment and supplies, and coaching for the family on how to provide care.

Question 6

Can I keep my physician?

Accepted Answer

Yes, patients are able to keep their primary care physician. Our doctors and nurses will work closely with the primary care physician to ensure quality care and ideal symptom management.

Question 7

Is hospice care provided 24 hours a day?

Accepted Answer

Whether it’s after hours, weekends, and/or holidays, our team of professionals are available to triage symptoms by phone, or visit if needed for the comfort and wellbeing of our patients.

Question 8

Will my medications be discontinued?

Accepted Answer

Hospice does not automatically stop all medications. Instead, the hospice nurse will review all current medications with the patient, family, and doctors. Together, they will determine which medications should be continued, changed, added, or stopped.

Question 9

Can I change my mind about hospice?

Accepted Answer

Hospice does not have to be a permanent choice. A patient or family may choose to stop hospice care at any time.

Question 10

Does hospice provide grief support?

Accepted Answer

Hospice provides bereavement care and counseling to the surviving family and close friends for up to a year after a patient dies.

Question 11

In what ways can I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

There are numerous way one can volunteer. These include direct care (may include providing emotional support for the patient, family, and friends, companionship, art activities, and more) and indirect care (clerical work, assisting with fundraisers and community events, etc.)

Question 12

What training is involved?

Accepted Answer

Our agency will provide an orientation that goes over protocol, expectations, and an overview of what hospice is along with an introduction to frequent hospice patient issues. We also offer ongoing educational opportunities throughout the year.

Question 13

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old when working directly with our patients. Underage volunteers may assist in clerical and community events with a minimum age of 16 years.

Question 14

Do I need previous experience volunteering with hospice?

Accepted Answer

No previous experience necessary, and we will provide training and ongoing support to help you succeed.

Question 15

What requirements will be asked of volunteers?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers will be asked to pass a background check, receive a CPR certification, and an orientation that includes the hospice philosophy, working within an interdisciplinary team and documentation for visits.

Question 16

How are patients assigned to volunteers?

Accepted Answer

The Volunteer Coordinator will assign the volunteer a patient based off similar interests, location, and how many patients a volunteer would like to work with.

Question 17

When do volunteers contact the patient?

Accepted Answer

After a patient has been assigned, the Volunteer Coordinator will instruct who to contact to schedule a visit. Volunteer may reach out via phone to see when the best time to visit.

Question 18

How often should I visit my assigned patient?

Accepted Answer

The Volunteer Coordinator will assign the frequency of volunteer visits based off the patient, family, and friend needs and wants. Frequency of visits will be reassessed every recertification period.

Question 19

Do I receive reimbursements of any kind?

Accepted Answer

We do provide mileage reimbursement when volunteers drive their own vehicles to visit their patient.

Faith & Hope Hospice and Palliative Care

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