Question: What does the hospice admission involve?

Answer: Hospice will contact your physician to make sure that he or she is in agreement that hospice care is appropriate and if so, an order to evaluate and admit will be obtained. The patient or family will be asked to sign consent paperwork. The patient or family will sign an election form communicating an understanding that the care is directed toward pain relief and symptom control and is not curative in nature.

Question: Does hospice take steps to make death come sooner?

Answer: Hospice does nothing either to speed up or slow down the dying process. Instead, hospice provides expert care in pain and symptom management and allows the patient to "live" their life.

Question: Does hospice provide help to the family and caregivers?

Answer: Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family and friends during and after care for up to 13 months.

Question: Can I choose which hospice I would like or transfer to a hospice of choice?

Answer: You have the right to choose a hospice or transfer to another hospice if the care from your current hospice is not acceptable.

Question: Is my physician the only one who can refer me to hospice?

Answer: No. You or your family can inquire directly about hospice services. Simply contact one of our offices and we will be happy to answer your questions.