The following are frequently asked questions about hospice care and specifically, HospiceMidland. If you would like further information in regard to any of these, please email us at hospicemidland@hospiceofmidland.org or call us at 432.682.2855 anytime, seven days a week.
You may click on each of the following questions to read the answer, or just scroll through the page.
- What are "Advance Directives"?
- When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made - and who should make it?
- Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first?
- What if our physician doesn't know about hospice?
- Is HospiceMidland a place?
- Can a HospiceMidland patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
- What does the admission process involve?
- Will my doctor still be my doctor once I am on hospice care?
- Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?
- How many family members or friends does it take to care for a patient at home?
- How difficult is caring for a dying loved one at home?
- What specific assistance does HospiceMidland provide home-based patients?
- Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
- How does hospice manage pain?
- What is HospiceMidland's success rate in battling pain?
- Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what is happening?
- Is HospiceMidland affiliated with any religious organization or other hospice?
- Is hospice care covered by insurance?
- What if I do not have insurance or enough personal income to pay for services?
- Does hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?
- If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be any additional expenses to be paid?
- What if I don't understand what is happening and don't know how to make the right decisions?
What are "Advance Directives"?
"Advance Directives" is a general term that refers to your oral and written instructions about your future medical care, in the event you become unable to speak for yourself. There are two parts the of advance directives: a living will and a medical power of attorney. Please click here for more info.
When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made — and who should make it?
At any time during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice. By law, the decision belongs to the patient. Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping an all-out effort to beat their disease. Hospice Midland staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and are always available to discuss them with the patient, family and physician.
Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first?
The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or friends.
What if our physician doesn't know about hospice?
Most physicians know about hospice. If your physician wants more information, we invite him or her to call us at 432.683.2855.
No, hospice is not a place, it is a philosophy of care which focuses on the dignity and comfort of a patient and family. While most of HospiceMidland's patients are served in their own home, an inpatient unit is available for patients whose needs or the needs of their family can be better met at an inpatient setting.
Can a HospiceMidland patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
Certainly. If improvement in the condition occurs and the disease seems to be in remission, the patient can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on about his or her daily life. If a discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.
What does the admission process involve?
A phone call to HospiceMidland (432.682.2855) is all that is needed to facilitate the admission process. One of the first things HospiceMidland will do is contact the patient's physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for the patient at this time. [Jump to the Admission Process Page]
Will my doctor still be my doctor once I am on hospice care?
HospiceMidland functions as an extension of, not in place of, the patient's attending physician. HospiceMidland also has medical directors available to help patients who have no physician.
Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?
HospiceMidland will assess your needs, recommend any necessary equipment and help make arrangements to obtain it.
How many family members or friends does it take to care for a patient at home?
There is no set number. One of the first things the HospiceMidland team will do is prepare an individualized care plan that will meet the needs and goals of the patient and family. HospiceMidland staff members visit regularly and are always accessible to answer questions and provide support.
How difficult is caring for a dying loved one at home?
It is never easy and sometimes can be quite hard. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be very long, lonely and scary. HospiceMidland has staff available around the clock to consult with the family and to make night visits when appropriate.
What specific assistance does HospiceMidland provide home-based patients?
HospiceMidland patients are cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, home care aides, clergy, therapists and volunteers, and each provides assistance based on his or her area of expertise. In addition, hospices help provide medications, supplies, equipment, hospital services and additional helpers in the home as appropriate.
Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
No, HospiceMidland does nothing either to speed up or slow down the dying process. Just as doctors and nurses lend support and expertise during the time of childbirth, so hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.
HospiceMidland nurses and doctors are up-to-date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. In addition, physical and occupational therapists assist patients to be as mobile and self-sufficient as possible, and they are often joined by specialists schooled in nutrition counseling and other therapies. HospiceMidland believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so it addresses these as well. Counselors, including pastoral counselors, are available to assist family members as well as patients. [Jump to Counseling & Support Services]
What is HospiceMidland's success rate in battling pain?
Very high. Using some combination of medications, counseling and therapies, most patients can attain a level of comfort that is acceptable to them.
Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what is happening?
Usually not. It is the goal of HospiceMidland to help patients be as comfortable and alert as they desire. By constantly consulting with the patient, HospiceMidland has been very successful in reaching this goal.
Is HospiceMidland affiliated with any religious organization or other hospice?
No. HospiceMidland is an independent, free-standing organization. It serves a broad community and does not require patients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs.
Is hospice care covered by insurance?
Hospice coverage is widely available. It is provided by Medicare nationwide, by Medicaid in Texas, and by most private health insurance policies. To be sure of coverage, families should of course check with their employer or health insurance provider.
What if I do not have insurance or enough personal income to pay for services?
HospiceMidland is a not-for-profit agency and provides its services regardless of ability to pay.
Does hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?
HospiceMidland provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for at least a year following the death of a loved one. HospiceMidland also sponsors bereavement and support groups for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a family member, a friend or a loved one. [Jump to Bereavement Services]
If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be any additional expenses to be paid?
Medicare covers all services and supplies related to the terminal illness for the hospice patient.
What if I don't understand what is happening and don't know how to make the right decisions?
HospiceMidland provides patients and families the information and education they need to make informed decisions about their plan of treatment under the care of their attending physician.