Guest guest Posted September 16, 2002 Report Share Posted September 16, 2002 I am interested in what hospice has to offer for Sam. I know that supposedly a patient has 6 months to live, and that the doctor would have to certify that--if indeed the neurologist could make a prediction (not very predictable with MSA). What kind of services do they offer--it is through medicare apparently. What do they cover--how much help do they provide for health aides--do the aides stay all day or do they just come in for daily showers or bed baths,that is, an hour or so a day. I have heard that RN's come in a couple of times a week. What kind of restrictions do they have on medical care--if a patient should break a leg or hip would he be able to go to the hospital--I know they don't do resuscitations, which is what Sam wants, of course. What are the signs that one needs hospice? Any thoughts from the group will be very much appreciated. Everyone out there is so understanding. Lou Reynolds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 16, 2002 Report Share Posted September 16, 2002 We have asked these questions ourselves in the past. Yes, you do have to be referred by a physician but they do not have to certify that death in 6 months is likely since as you pointed out, that is very difficult with MSA. The patient must be terminal. Some people have used Hospice for well over a year. There are several here on the list that can let you know their personal experiences with Hospice. We are in a wait and see mode since I can still provide most of the care but I will call Hospice as soon as I can no longer safely care for my husband. We have met with Hospice Outreach and they are very willing to answer any questions you might have. Hugs, Jan > I am interested in what hospice has to offer for Sam. I know that > supposedly a patient has 6 months to live, and that the doctor would have > to certify that--if indeed the neurologist could make a prediction (not > very predictable with MSA). What kind of services do they offer-- it is > through medicare apparently. What do they cover--how much help do they > provide for health aides--do the aides stay all day or do they just come in > for daily showers or bed baths,that is, an hour or so a day. I have heard > that RN's come in a couple of times a week. > > What kind of restrictions do they have on medical care--if a patient should > break a leg or hip would he be able to go to the hospital--I know they > don't do resuscitations, which is what Sam wants, of course. > > What are the signs that one needs hospice? > > Any thoughts from the group will be very much appreciated. Everyone out > there is so understanding. Lou Reynolds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2002 Report Share Posted September 17, 2002 There is also a program called TRANSITIONS that precedes Hospice in time. You do not need a physician's referral and you can continue aggressive medical care. I believe life expectancy is required to be a year. Otherwise, it is very similar to Hospice. In Charlottesville, it is closely managed by the same personnel that run Hospice. I understand there are about 25 others in the USA. Message: 17 Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 19:43:27 -0000 Subject: Re: Hospice We have asked these questions ourselves in the past. Yes, you do have to be referred by a physician but they do not have to certify that death in 6 months is likely since as you pointed out, that is very difficult with MSA. The patient must be terminal. Some people have used Hospice for well over a year. There are several here on the list that can let you know their personal experiences with Hospice. We are in a wait and see mode since I can still provide most of the care but I will call Hospice as soon as I can no longer safely care for my husband. We have met with Hospice Outreach and they are very willing to answer any questions you might have. Hugs, Jan Sennewald Charlottesville, Virginia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.