Education
Hospice Facts for Physicians and Health Care Professionals
Hospice is a comprehensive program of palliative and supportive services designed to help patients and families who are facing end-stage illnesses. Hospice care enables patients to live their remaining days with comfort and dignity in the familiar surroundings of home, with family and friends.
Pain management and symptom control are the clinical goals of hospice. Addressing the emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient and family is a priority. The majority of patients receiving hospice care are able to remain in their place of residence, be it a private home or long term care facility. Hospice care is also available in residential care facilities and skilled nursing facilities.
Hospice includes services and support for family and friends while their loved one is dying, and bereavement services after the patient has died.
Who Should be Referred to Hospice Care?
Hospice care may be appropriate for any patient with an end-stage illness (such as cancer, pulmonary disease, Alzheimer’s, and other non-malignant conditions). Certification of a 6-month prognosis by the physician is required. When the patient’s physician makes a referral, the physician and our hospice team develop a care plan, which includes specific desires/goals of the patient and family. There is no penalty if a patient outlives their six-month prognosis. Hospice care may be recertified for 60-day periods. Patients who stabilize may also come on and off hospice care as per your assessment.
Who Pays for Hospice Care?
Hospice services are reimbursed by Medicare, and most private insurance plans. Our staff will work out details with the payor source and assist patients to understand benefits. In addition, the Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois raises funds for HPNI to provide care, regardless of ability to pay.
What and who are included in hospice services?
- Medical Director
- Nursing
- Care Coordination with the Patient’s Physician
- Pain Management and Symptom Control
- Pharmacy
- Medical Equipment
- 24-Hour Phone Consultation
- After-hours Emergency Visits
- Medical Social Workers
- Home Health Aides
- Spiritual Support/Chaplains
- Volunteer Support and Respite Care
- Grief Support and Bereavement Services
Advantages of HPNI
- One-on-one care wherever the patient lives.
- Commitment to excellence and compassion.
- An outstanding interdisciplinary team working with the primary physician, including our medical director, nurses, integrative therapists, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, certified nurses aides, and volunteers
- Two inpatient units: The Pepper Family Hospice Home in Barrington (16 beds) and the Woodstock Hospice Home in Woodstock (7 beds).
- Understanding and respect of cultural differences.
- State licensed and certified by Medicare and Medicaid, accredited by the Joint Commission.
