Hospice Care: A Promise of Comfort

Centuries ago, Hospice meant a place of shelter for those on a long journey. Hospice now refers to a philosophy of care provided for patients with a life-limiting illness. At Hospice of Orleans, our goal is to help patients realize that the pathway to the end of their life can include hope, family, friends, and laughter.

Making the Decision to Enter Hospice

At any time during a life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including Hospice. By law, the decision to enter Hospice belongs to the patient.

Entering Hospice is very simple. All you need is a physician’s signature, and you or your loved one can be admitted the same day. The patient will then be asked to sign consent and appropriate admissions paperwork.

For a patient to enter Orleans' Hospice Care services, they need:

• A desire for palliative rather than curative care
• A limited life expectancy
• A resident of Orleans County, New York.

 

Hospice FAQs

What does Hospice care look like?

Hospice of Orleans provides Hospice care to patients wherever they are, whether that is a private home, nursing home, assisted living, hospital inpatient setting, or in our Martin-Linsin Residence. Our patients always come first, and our staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hospice patients are cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, hospice-certified nursing assistants, clergy, therapists, and volunteers. Hospice provides medications, supplies, equipment, and hospital services related to the terminal illness and additional helpers in the home, if and when needed.

 

How much does Hospice care cost?

You're entitled to Hospice benefits at no cost to you. Our Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and by most major insurance providers.

 

Can a Hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?

Certainly! If the patient’s condition improves, and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from Hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on with their daily life. If the discharged patient should later need to return to Hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

 

What is Hospice’s success rate in pain management?

Very high. Using various combinations of medications, counseling, and therapies, most patients can attain a level of comfort that is acceptable to them.

 

When should I call?

If you or a loved one are diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness that may end life in months rather than years, or if you think you can use these services or are not certain, give us a call at (585)589-0809 and we can help answer your questions over the phone for free.