illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. By law, the decision belongs to the patient. If your loved one is unable to make medical decisions, a relative or friend must have a durable power of attorney for healthcare issues to be able to authorize any medical-related services. The requirements to be hospiceappropriate include: • The patient must be diagnosed with a terminal illness by a physician. • Because of the illness, the patient is considered to have a life expectancy of six months or fewer, if the disease runs it normal course. • The patient must sign a statement acknowledging that they choose hospice
treatment over curative treatment for their terminal illness. Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping aggressive efforts to “beat” the disease. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and always available to discuss them with the patient and family. A patient who needs hospice care exceeding six months can remain in the program. Is Hospice Care Covered by Insurance? Hospice coverage is widely available. It is provided by the Medicare Hospice Benefit (under Medicare Part A, or hospital insurance) and by most private insurance providers.
A Continuing Care Retirement Community
To be sure of coverage, check with your employer or health-insurance provider. It covers medical services, medications, durable medical equipment, supplies, and treatments related to managing your lifelimiting illness and approved as part of your individual care plan as stated above. It’s comforting to know that hospice affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. Its goal is to neither hasten nor postpone death. For more information on local hospice services, and to determine if your loved one is “hospice appropriate,” contact your healthcare provider and your insurance carrier.
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Claire Yezbak Fadden, a freelance writer, is comforted by the team of hospice workers who provided comfort care for her mother.
A Community Outreach of Homeland Center
Respectful, considerate, heartfelt care for those with a life-limiting illness.
Provider and leader of quality healthcare in Central PA for more than 145 years.
Providing care for hospice patients in the setting they consider their home.
50 renovated Personal Care Suites.
Clinical and bereavement staff provide support for the patient and family before and after the death of your loved one.
Applications being accepted for a limited number. Skilled Nursing Care Unit accommodates 92, including a 21-bed Alzheimer’s Unit.
Providing service in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties.
717-221-7902
717-221-7890
1901 North Fifth Street Harrisburg, PA 17102
2300 Vartan Way, Suite 115 Harrisburg, PA 17110
www.homelandcenter.org
www.homelandhospice.org
www.BusinessWomanPA.com
BUSINESSW
oman CAREGIVER SOLUTIONS 2013
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