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Christian Care Hospice

Christian Care Hospice Philosophy of Care

Hospice has a philosophy of care which enables patients and families to make choices about care in life’s final stage. Patient and family needs are met using a team approach. The Christian Care Hospice Team consists of physicians, nurses, a social worker, therapists, a dietitian, a chaplain, counselors, and volunteers. Our professionals schedule visits based on the needs of the patients. Hospice nurses are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer questions and address any concerns with our patients.

Goals of Hospice

To provide emotional and spiritual support to both the patient and the family

To manage physical symptoms of disease progression, such as pain and nausea

To enhance the quality of life

To offer grief support and counseling to family members as their needs desire

Eligibility for Hospice

Hospice care is a special way of caring for a patient whose disease cannot be cured. It is available as a benefit under Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A). Medicare beneficiaries who choose hospice care receive non-curative medical and support services for their terminal illness.

To be eligible, they must be certified by a physician to be terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less. While they no longer receive treatment toward a cure, they require close medical and supportive care which a hospice can provide. Hospice care under Medicare includes both home care and inpatient care, when needed, and a variety of services not otherwise covered by Medicare. The focus is on care, not cure. Emphasis is on helping the person to make the most of each hour and each day of remaining life by providing comfort and relief from pain. Hospice Medicare Benefit Structure

The benefit structure includes two benefit periods of 90 days each, followed by unlimited number of 60-day periods. When the patient elects the Hospice Medicare Benefit, he waives the right to standard Medicare benefits for treatment of the terminal illness and related conditions. The patient has the right to revoke his hospice election at any time but forfeits any remaining days in the current election period. At the end of each period, the patient is reevaluated to certify the condition still meets the requirements of the benefit.