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Resources
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Hospice FAQs |
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When is hospice care appropriate?
Can I change my mind about hospice care?
Will my personal physician continue to be involved in my care?
Does hospice do anything to shorten or lengthen a patient's life?
Is hospice affiliated with any religious organization?
How long can a patient stay in the hospice inpatient unit?
How do I address concerns or medical issues while caring for a dying loved one at home?
Must someone be with my loved one at all times?
Do pain medications prevent patients from being able to talk or know what's happening?
When is hospice care appropriate?
Hospice care is appropriate for anyone with a limited life expectancy if the disease runs its normal course as certified by a physician. Predicting a patient's life expectancy is not an exact science, so a patient may continue to benefit from hospice care as long as the hospice medical director believes the patient continues to meet the hospice medical criteria.
Can I change my mind about hospice care?
You can choose to leave hospice care at any time if you would like to resume curative treatment or seek other advice. Some patients actually improve and are discharged from hospice care. Hospice care can be resumed later if the patient's condition warrants it.
Will my personal physician continue to be involved in my care?
Your personal physician is a vital component of the hospice team and will be involved in helping to structure your individual plan of care.
Does hospice do anything to shorten or lengthen a patient's life?
Hospices do nothing to either speed up or slow down the dying process. Our hospice team provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process. Hospice works to relieve suffering, control symptoms and enhance quality of life, while remaining sensitive to your personal, cultural and religious values, beliefs and practices.
Is hospice affiliated with any religious organization?
Hospice is a compassionate, medical and supportive approach to caring for dying patients that embraces people of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds. We work with people from all cultural backgrounds serving the highly diverse Chicago area.
How long can a patient stay in the hospice inpatient unit?
The length of stay in the hospice inpatient unit varies, as admission is based on medical necessity for patients whose pain or symptoms can best be managed in this setting. The Midwest CareCenter's hospice inpatient unit is not a long-term care facility; rather, the ultimate goal is to provide care to relieve the patient's symptoms and help the patient return home.
How do I address concerns or medical issues while caring for a dying loved one at home?
Caring for a dying loved one at home is never easy and oftentimes can be quite difficult. Midwest CareCenter is available 24 hours a day for family members or caregivers to call with questions and concerns. If an emergency situation arises, nurses and social service staff will coordinate a visit.
Must someone be with the patient at all times?
If a patient is referred to hospice soon enough, it is usually not necessary for someone to be with a patient at all times. In fact, with their pain and symptoms under control, many patients are able to enjoy activities outside the home. Later, however, as a disease progresses, the intensity of care increases. At that point, we generally recommend that someone be there at all times. Your care team will work with you to help address your concerns and find the best possible care options.
Do pain medications prevent patients from being able to talk or know what's happening?
Not often. The goal of hospice is to enhance the quality of the patient's life, and that means keeping patients comfortable and as alert as they desire. Continuous assessment of the patient's condition helps keep pain under control.
CONTACT US
Feel free to give us a call if you have additional questions or would like more information:
(847) 467-7423
TTY: (800) 526-0857
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