How Hospice Works and Level of Care
HOW HOSPICE WORKS
Hospice is a program of health care designed to meet the special needs of patients who are facing a life limiting illness. Arbor Vitae Hospice provides personalized care in the patient’s own environment, be it their home, nursing home, board and care or assisted living.
Our team assists family members to care for their loved ones in the comfort of their own home when the patient has been diagnosed with a disease for which they do not elect aggressive treatment. The goal of hospice is to empower the patients and their family members by providing education about their care.
PATIENT ELIGIBILITY
Patients are eligible for hospice when:
- They have a life-threatening illness and seek medical, spiritual, psychological, and personal support.
- Aggressive treatments are no longer sought and the focus is now on palliation, pain control, spiritual and emotional support.
- Have a primary care physician authorizing hospice care.
HOSPICE LEVEL OF CARE
ROUTINE HOME CARE
Provided in your home but has established contractual relationships with long-term care facilities and nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly (Board and Care).
CONTINUOUS CARE (Intensive Comfort Care)
Shifts of hospice staff are provided for a brief period to help the patient remain at home through a difficult time rather than transferring the patient to the hospital.
IN-PATIENT UNIT
Special arrangements with hospitals and other facilities where patients may receive necessary and appropriate inpatient care to address the needs beyond what can be safely managed in the home.
RESPITE CARE
Limited to five consecutive days to provide brief respite to the primary caregiver by admitting the patient to a skilled nursing facility or an institutional setting.