1. End-of-Life Services

3. How to get Hospice Care Talk with a local physician Call a local hospice provider Contact your nearest VA hospital or clinic to inquire about benefits A physician’s order is required to start hospice services

4. What does Hospice Care mean to You & Your Family? Hospice care enhances the quality of life for as long as there is life. When you choose a hospice, you & your family are provided with: The right people The right help The right equipment The right supplies

5. The Right People … Physicians Nurses Hospice aides Social workers Chaplains Bereavement counselors Trained volunteers

6. The Physician Directs hospice medical care Consults with your hospice nurse Meets with “the right people” on the hospice staff regularly

7. Nurses Routinely visit patients Perform physical assessments Teach families how to care for the patient Provide “what to expect” education Are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

8. Hospice Aides Provide bathing & personal care Perform light housekeeping as needed Assist with activities Help with simple meal preparation

9. Social Workers Provide emotional support Help identify community resources Chaplains Provide spiritual support to the patient & family, as desired Bereavement Specialists Provide grief support for patients and families

10. Volunteers Run errands Provide companionship Read, play games Listen Comfort Give the “gift of presence” … and so much more!

11. What kind of Services will I get? Supplies Medications for symptoms, comfort & safety Use of a 24-hour pharmacy Medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs & bedside toilets

12. Where is Hospice Provided? Outpatient (70% of the time) Your home Nursing home Inpatient (30% of the time) Local hospital or hospice center Local VA hospital … anywhere you call home!

13. Funding Sources All are served, regardless of ability to pay! Medicare A Medicaid Commercial insurance VA

14. What You Should Know Hospice care can last longer than six months You can stop hospice at any time. Hospice is for more than just patients with cancer (Only 44% of hospice patients have cancer) You are always under the care of a doctor: the hospice Medical Director or your personal doctor.

15. How to get Hospice Care Talk with a local physician Call a local hospice provider Contact your nearest VA hospital or clinic to inquire about benefits

16. Thank you for coming.