| Why Should I Choose Hospice Services and When is it Tme for Hospice Services? |
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ARTICLE SUMMARY Myths abound in hospice, and one is ‘I am giving up when I choose hospice’. Electing to receive hospice is not giving up – it is merely choosing a type of health care service for someone who needs it. Why, how and when to receive Hospice services:
Call your local hospice company as soon as possible. The sooner you contact them, the sooner treatment can begin. Why should I choose hospice services and when is it time for hospice services FULL ARTICLE Myths abound in hospice, and one of the largest in hospice is that I am giving up when I choose hospice. Electing to receive hospice is not giving up – it is merely choosing a type of health care services that are available for someone who needs them. Most hospice companies (or agencies as they are also called) will come to your home and do a free consultation with you and your loved one to see if hospice is appropriate in your circumstances. There is no cost and no obligation for this initial visit. Now is when you need help, and now is when you should investigate the possibility of hospice care for your loved one. At virtually no cost to you, it will not hurt you to make a call and see if your loved one is eligible to receive these services If your loved one is eligible to receive these services – if they have a terminal illness- then they can elect to receive them, by signing an election form. If at any time, they or you decide to stop receiving those services, you can revoke, or cancel the services, without any further obligation on your part. Since Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances cover hospice costs, there should be little out of pocket for you and your loved one. Proof of your loved one’s eligibility for hospice rests squarely on the shoulders of the hospice program. If they make a decision to admit someone into their hospice program who is not eligible – not facing a terminal illness - then the financial burden for that choice rests on the hospice, not on the patient. There should be little or no financial risks to the patient by choosing hospice care. Call your local hospice company sooner than later. The sooner you contact them, the sooner treatment can begin, if you are appropriate. If you are not ready for hospice they will tell you that as well, so there really is no harm in calling sooner. None know when we are going to die. So seek the help soon that both you and your loved one deserve. |