FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

WHAT IS HOSPICE?

Hospice is a special type of care that combines palliative care and the philosophy that quality of life is better than quantity of life for those with life-limiting or terminal illnesses.Hospice care operates under the goal to maximize the quality of life by providing tailored end-of-life care and support services.

This may include: Pain management, Nursing, Medication administration, Personal care

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WHAT A HOSPICE CARE AGENCY CAN OFFER YOU?

End of Life Care, Palliative Care, Bereavement Counseling, Hospice Support Services

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WHAT IS THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR HOSPICE CARE IN LAS VEGAS?

In order to qualify for hospice care, the patient must have received a prognosis of six months from a medical doctor. This doesn’t mean that your loved one will die within that time; of course no one can predict this with accuracy. It just means that their illness is terminal and the doctor feels that they could possibly pass away within six months or that curative treatments are no longer effective.

HOW DO I START THE HOSPICE PROCESS?

In order for hospice to start, we must receive the hospice order from the doctor. This acts as a referral that states the patient is qualified for hospice. Then, we will look over the patient’s medical history and assess the patient in order to craft an individual care plan. The assessment can be done at the hospital or in the home, whichever is most convenient for the family.

IS HOSPICE ONLY FOR THE FINAL DAYS OF LIFE?

Not at all. In fact, the earlier the transition to hospice, the more effective it is to control symptoms and provide peace and quality of life for the patient and family members.

HOW LONG DOES HOSPICE STAY WITH A PATIENT?

Long-term hospice care is sometimes necessary if a life-limiting illness does not run its course in that time. Just because the prognosis is six months doesn’t mean that hospice will end once that time passes. So long as the prognosis doesn’t change, hospice eligibility does not change. Our team continually adjust care plans to cater to the unique needs of each individual we serve.

HOW MUCH DOES HOSPICE COST?

In many cases, insurance coverage will dictate the cost of hospice care. If the patient is not covered, or if their plan does not include hospice, our financial experts can discuss options and ensure the patient gets the services they need.

DOES MEDICARE OR MEDICAIDE PAY FOR HOSPICE?

Medicare and Medicaid pay for hospice care so long as the patient meets certain eligibility requirements.

HOW DO I PREPARE LOVED ON FOR END OF LIFE CARE?

It is not the goal of home hospice care to cure any illnesses but rather manage symptoms to improve the quality of life. Enlisting hospice services does not mean you’ve given up; it simply means the priority has shifted from aggressively curative treatment to pain management to increase the comfort level of the individual.Our team provides care to many individuals that have chronic illnesses, cancer, dementia, and many other life-limiting conditions, so you can count on us to provide the highest quality of care. This is why we develop care plans that cater specifically to the needs of the individual. In addition, should an issue ever arise, we’ll be there to assist you any time of day or night.

WHAT SUPPORT SERVICES DOES UNIFIED CARE HOSPICE OFFER?

SUPPORT SERVICES AND SOCIAL WORK: Consider us your support team. Our services encompass not only the needs of the patient but the family members as well.Hospice isn’t just for the patient! This is a time of transition for everyone involved, and it may be emotional or stressful at times. That’s why our philosophy is to work with all who are involved and provide as much support as we can.We’re all in this together! As a general rule, hospice social workers follow the wishes and requests of the family. They are available to offer a more holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of everyone involved.Our social workers are also available to help communicate the patient’s needs to our team of medical personnel or provide assistance with filling out any paperwork that’s necessary.

DO UNIFIED CARE HOSPICE OFFER BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING?

Yes, We believe that every individual we meet has an impact that reaches far beyond themselves, spanning out to their community and loved ones. In that same way, the hospice care we provide extends beyond the life of a patient.We feel strongly about being here to support and guide you through your transition because we understand how grief and loss affect family and friends who have lost a loved one. Family members feeling grief may experience emotions including denial, anger, and depression when a loved one passes away.One amazing thing about hospice care is that grief counseling is covered under Medicare if your loved one or patient qualifies for Medicare-certified hospice care.

See Our Blogs

Massage Techniques in Hospice Care: Providing Comfort and Relief

Massage Techniques in Hospice Care: Providing Comfort and Relief

April 08, 20242 min read

Introduction: The Role of Massage in Hospice Care

In the sensitive realm of hospice care, massage therapy has emerged as a key component in providing comfort and relief to patients facing end-of-life challenges. This article delves into the various massage techniques tailored for hospice settings, highlighting their benefits and the care taken to adapt them to the needs of hospice patients.

The Role of Massage in Hospice Care

Understanding the Basics of Hospice Massage

  1. Defining Hospice Massage: Hospice massage is a gentle, non-invasive form of therapy designed to provide comfort, relieve stress, and improve the quality of life for those in hospice care.

  2. Goals of Hospice Massage: The primary goal is to offer physical and emotional relief, help in managing symptoms, and provide a sense of peace and wellbeing.

Key Massage Techniques Used in Hospice Care

  1. Swedish Massage: This technique uses gentle strokes and kneading to promote relaxation and improve circulation. It is often modified to suit the delicate condition of hospice patients.

  2. Aromatherapy Massage: Incorporating essential oils can enhance the therapeutic effects of massage, providing additional relief from anxiety and pain.

  3. Reflexology: Focusing on pressure points in the feet, hands, and ears, reflexology can stimulate energy flow and provide relief from symptoms.

Tailoring Techniques to Individual Needs

  1. Assessing Patient Condition: Each patient's physical and emotional state is assessed to determine the most appropriate massage techniques.

  2. Modifying Pressure and Approach: Massage therapists skilled in hospice care adjust their pressure and techniques to accommodate the patient's medical condition and comfort level.

  3. Integrating with Medical Care: Hospice massage is often coordinated with the patient's medical care plan to ensure safety and maximize benefits.

Benefits of Massage in Hospice Care

  1. Pain Relief: Massage can significantly reduce pain, which is a common concern for hospice patients.

  2. Reducing Anxiety and Depression: The soothing effect of massage can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression that often accompany end-of-life stages.

  3. Improving Sleep Quality: By promoting relaxation, massage can help improve sleep quality, which is crucial for patient comfort.

Training and Sensitivity of Hospice Massage Therapists

  1. Specialized Training: Therapists working in hospice care undergo specialized training to understand the unique needs of hospice patients.

  2. Empathy and Compassion: Beyond technical skills, a deep sense of empathy and compassion is essential for providing effective hospice massage.

Challenges and Considerations

  1. Navigating Physical Limitations: Adjusting techniques to accommodate the physical limitations and medical conditions of patients is a critical consideration.

  2. Emotional Impact: Massage therapists must be prepared to handle the emotional aspects of working with terminally ill patients and their families.

Conclusion: Embracing the Healing Touch in Hospice Care

In conclusion, massage therapy in hospice care plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for terminally ill patients. Through a variety of adapted techniques, skilled therapists provide much-needed relief, comfort, and emotional support. As an integral part of holistic hospice care, massage therapy stands out as a compassionate and effective approach to easing the journey through end-of-life care.

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