General
|
|
| General
|
Q: Who is eligible for Lutheran Hospice services?
A: Anyone with a life-limiting illness who has chosen not to seek further aggressive or curative treatment for their illness, but would like to live the remainder of their life as pain free and active as possible for as long as possible. |
Q: How do I become a Lutheran Hospice patient?
A: You should discuss your desire for hospice care with your doctor. Your doctor will then make a referral to Lutheran Hospice for hospice services. When the referral is received, our care team will meet with you and your family and develop a plan of care appropriate to meet your physical needs and choices. |
Q: Are Lutheran Hospice services covered by Medicare and Medicaid?
A: Yes. Lutheran Hospice is Medicare and Medicaid Certified. Most HMO, Managed Care and private insurance also cover hospice care. Lutheran Hospice staff will be happy to verify your insurance coverage. |
Q: Do I give up my Medicare benefits when I elect Lutheran Hospice services?
A: Yes. When you elect Hospice services, you are agreeing to permit your Medicare benefit to cover services related to your life-limiting illness, with the exception of your doctor's services. However, illnesses that are not related to the terminal illness continue to be reimbursed by Medicare. |
Q: Where can I receive Lutheran Hospice services?
A: Lutheran Hospice can provide care in your home, in a residential or assisted living community or in a skilled nursing facility. |
Q: How does Lutheran Hospice service affect payment in a nursing home?
A: Lutheran Hospice can provide hospice care to residents of a skilled nursing facility with the room and board charges continuing to be paid privately by the patient or by Medicaid if the patient is Medicaid qualified. |
Q: How long can I receive Lutheran Hospice services?
A: As long as you continue to meet the guidelines for the terminal diagnosis. The Lutheran Hospice nurse and your physician will continually assess your physical condition to make this determination. At any time should you no longer meet these guidelines, the Lutheran Hospice care team will help determine the necessary resources to meet your current level of need. You can always elect Lutheran Hospice services again when needed. |
Q: What happens if I want to discontinue Hospice care?
A: You may choose to discontinue Hospice care at any time. |
Q: Even with help from Lutheran Hospice, what if home care becomes too difficult for my family to provide?
A: Lutheran Hospice can further assist your family by offering alternative types of care. Respite Care offers the family short-term caregiver relief. Inpatient Care is provided to manage acute pain and symptoms and is provided in a licensed facility, while Continuous Care is provided in your home, by nurses and aides during a time of intense need. |
Q: How can I help Lutheran Hospice?
A: Whether your donation to Lutheran Hospice is a gift of money, time, talent or know-how, you can help Lutheran Hospice continue it's ministry of caring by volunteering or making a donation or contribution. All donations and contributions are tax deductible and can be made "in memory" or "in honor" of someone. Often, families specify "memorials to Lutheran Hospice in lieu of flowers" in funeral notices. Many people make annual memorial contributions in memory of their loved one or to commemorate a special occasion. |
