Arizona Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

HOSPICE: How to choose a special way of caring

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HOSPICE: How to choose a special way of caring.

What is hospice?

Hospice is a comprehensive program of care designed to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and provide support to their families. While care may be provided in alternative settings, the majority of care is provided in the comfort and familiarity of the patient's own home. When home is not enough, hospice impatient care is available for short-term symptom management and respite care.

Hospice uses a team approach consisting of doctors, nurses, home care aides, social workers, counselors, and volunteers. These professionals work closely with the patient's personal physician in providing compassionate, effective care. Social and pastoral counselors offer support to help patients and family members during this important period of transition.

Hospices are sensitive to individual and family needs and are available to offer as much or as little assistance as needed. Hospice care seeks to enable patients to remain as comfortable as possible, supported by caring individuals, so that their last days may be spent with serenity and dignity.

The Arizona Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

The Arizona Hospice and Palliative Care Organization is a network of hospice providers and individuals dedicated to developing and promoting standards for quality hospice care for all Arizonans.

Part of our mission is to provide education to the public concerning hospice care. This information may assist you in making an informed choice for hospice services.

When to Decide

Although physicians tend to refer cancer patients most frequently, hospice care is appropriate for any patient in the final stages of a disease. These diseases include cardiac disease, cerebral vascular disease, dementia, liver disease, neuromuscular disease, diabetes, mellitus, pulmonary disease, renal disease and AIDS.

How do I find a hospice program?

Finding a hospice program is as easy as calling your physician, checking the telephone directory or contacting the Arizona Hospice and Palliative Care Organization through this website (see our members section), by email (info@arizonahospice.org) or by telephone at (480) 967-9424.

How to choose

Will my insurance cover the hospice I choose?

Will the hospice program work with my doctor?

Can I have special hospice services wherever I live (home, skilled nursing facility, group home)?

If I can't be cared for where I live, what other arrangements are available?

Can I receive hospice services for any life-threatening illness?

Does the hospice have a plan for patients who live alone?

Will language, visual or hearing defects restrict my ability to receive hospice care?

Is the hospice state licensed and Medicare certified?

Are services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

If I have a concern, will the hospice be responsive to my needs?

If I am unable to pay for services and do not have medical insurance, will the hospice provide care?

How do people pay for hospice?

A variety of resources are available to assist patients and families with payment for hospice services. Many insurance companies have a hospice benefit and will cover all or part depending on the plan.

Individuals eligible for Medicare coverage can elect the Medicare Hospice Benefit. In electing hospice under Medicare, all services related to the care of the terminal illness are covered by the hospice program. Regular Medicare can still be used for any services which are provided by a personal physician and are unrelated to the terminal illness.