What to Expect with Hospice Care
The need to know about hospice
For families, the words hospice care are often met with a wave of uncertainty. As a result, we begin to ask ourselves the difficult questions. Am I giving up on my loved one? Is there more I can do? What are my alternatives?
To demystify the road ahead, our team at Ethos Hospice has assembled a guide of what to expect with hospice care. Our goal is to promote awareness as you begin the decision-making process. After reading, be sure to complete our free online assessment to understand options for yourself or a loved one.
Understanding hospice care services
With comfort and quality of life at heart, hospice care takes a personalized approach to each patient. Whether implementing tailored pain management strategies or ensuring proper medications are taken, our hospice services are unique to the individual.
At Ethos Hospice, we also provide life-enriching services such as therapeutic music, pet therapy, and more. Additionally, we extend services to family members through spiritual counseling and bereavement support. These services are available for up to 13 months after a loved one’s passing.
Hospice care eligibility & coverage
Some of the most common questions we receive at Ethos Hospice are centered on the eligibility requirements for hospice care. To qualify for hospice care, patients must have a life expectancy of six months or less, as verified by a physician. From there, patients can receive hospice services wherever they call home.
Many families are surprised to learn that patients cannot be denied hospice care based on their ability to pay. Typically Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health insurance policies cover hospice care. Our team at Ethos Hospice can help you determine your specific coverage.
Choosing to discontinue hospice care
Although hospice care is oriented toward comfort care at the end of life, patients whose condition improves may elect to be discharged. In these situations, a physician will verify that the patient no longer needs hospice care. From there, families can have peace of mind knowing that our hospice services are still available should the patient need them in the future.
Determining if now is the right time for hospice
Whether for yourself or a loved one, determining when to consider hospice care isn’t always straightforward. In our experience, some of the most common signs leading to hospice include frequent visits to the emergency room, declining physical or mental health, and multiple health challenges. By taking our brief online assessment, you can receive personalized answers in minutes.
What to expect with Ethos Hospice care
Throughout our service areas, our care team at Ethos Hospice supports individuals and loved ones wherever they call home. With nurses on call 24/7 including weekends, we are here when you need us most.
For questions, guidance, and information on the next steps, we are available through our website or via phone at (701) 515-0240.
Meet the Author
Lisa Dingwall is a dedicated healthcare professional with over two decades of experience, currently serving as the Director of Hospice for Knute Nelson and Ethos. Her educational journey began at Alexandria Technical and Community College, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse degree, followed by a Registered Nurse degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls, and a Bachelor of Nursing from Rasmussen University.
Her diverse career encompassed roles in long-term care, clinical settings, home health care, oncology, and hospice, enriching her patient care expertise. Throughout her journey, Dingwall demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. As the Director of Hospice, she remains unwavering in her commitment to providing compassionate end-of-life care, guiding patients and their families through life’s most profound transitions.
Last updated August 26th, 2024
