What is hospice?
How is hospice paid for?
At Stein, no one is turned away because of their inability to pay. The cost of hospice service is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies who pay hospice a daily rate that covers 100% of all expenses related to the terminal illness. Through the generous support of individuals, businesses and foundations, Stein Hospice has the ability to help everyone in need. Care includes nursing visits, medical equipment and medications related to the advanced illness, short-term inpatient and respite care, nursing assistant services, social workers, spiritual care and bereavement services.
Is hospice care only for cancer patients?
No. Hospice is for all advanced illness patients in the end-stage of any disease including, but not limited to, heart disease, dementia, lung disease, stroke and HIV. And people of all ages are eligible for care.
Is it true that you must have only six months to live to be eligible for hospice?
Hospice is intended primarily for use by a patient whose prognosis is six months or less life expectancy. However, the Medicare program recognizes that a prognosis can be unpredictable and may change. Hospice care is available as long as the patient’s prognosis meets the law’s six month test, based on the attending physician’s and/or medical director’s judgment.
Can I continue to see my own doctor?
Yes. Hospice works with all physicians. We also have medical directors to assist when your physician is on vacation or unavailable. If you do not have a physician, we can refer you to one of our medical directors.
Where are services delivered to the patient?
Depending on the patient’s preference, hospice services can be provided in a nursing facility, the home, the Stein Hospice Care Center, or a hospital.
Does hospice care end with the patient’s death?
No. Hospice offers a range of bereavement services to children, adolescents, adults and families. READ MORE
How does one qualify for hospice?
A physician must determine that a patient has a health condition with a life expectancy of months rather than years if the disease follows a normal course. The patient and family must accept the hospice philosophy of comfort oriented care with the emphasis on living well. Referrals can be made by anyone once a patient has a terminal diagnosis.
Why should I choose Stein Hospice?
Stein Hospice is a community based, not-for-profit agency which has been providing comfort and care to patients and their families for more than 40 years.
Stein is Medicare and Medicaid certified and joint commission accredited. Stein physicians, nurses, state tested nursing assistants, chaplains, counselors, social workers and volunteers work tirelessly to make a patient’s final journey comfortable and to support the grieving family. Stein is responsive, adaptive and creative in meeting each patient’s unique needs 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
“We know we only have one chance to do it right, and we work very hard to make that happen for each patient,” says Jan Bucholz, Stein Hospice Chief Executive Officer.
Are there other forms of comfort care Stein is able to offer in addition to the nursing and personal care you provide?
Stein offers energy techniques such as Reiki, healing touch and guided imagery along with a host of other services to help provide relaxation and comfort. These services are available to patients, their families and caregivers.