End of Life Care
End of Life is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families. The goal of End of Life Care is to improve the quality of a patient's last weeks, days and hours by offering comfort and dignity. Care is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals (including as physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy), as well as volunteers and family members.
Professionals make routine visits to the home, but family and/or friends are nearly always involved in care. Some families choose to hire additional services from our agencies, which are typically not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. OMHHC uses trained staff to help with household chores and to give family caregivers respite time. For example, our staff can give the family caregiver a chance to run errands or simply take a walk or nap.
If a patient’s condition improves during End of Life Care or if the patient desires, the patient can discontinue End of Life Care care.
Some common diseases and conditions experienced by hospice patients include: cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, stroke, lung disease, AIDS, and renal disease, among others. Specific diagnostic tools determine the prognosis associated with each disease and/or condition.
Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare for patients with a prognosis of six months or less. A patient can remain in hospice care beyond six months if a physician re-certifies that the patient is terminally ill.This benefit covers all services, medications and equipment related to the illness.
These include:
Physician services Nursing services Home health aides Medical appliances, medication, and supplies Spiritual, dietary, and other counseling Continuous home-care or inpatient care during crisis periods Trained staff Bereavement services Social work services Inpatient Respite
Many private health insurance policies and HMO's offer hospice coverage and benefits.