Patients are referred to hospice in many ways. The majority of referrals are made by the patient’s physician and/or other health care professionals who want to provide their patients with quality end-of-life care. Most primary care physicians continue to work with their patients and hospice team members to ensure that their patient receives the best possible care.
Within 24 hours of taking the referral, the patient’s family is contacted by a Glory Hospice & Palliative Care registered nurse and/or social worker to schedule an admit evaluation. This is a time for the family to learn about hospice, what we can offer and if hospice is an appropriate program for the patient at this time.
To be eligible for our services, you must meet the following criteria:
- Patient is referred to Hospice by family, self or caregiver with physician agreement.
- Patient resides in the designated service area
- Patient has a primary caregiver (someone other than Hospice staff)
- Patient has life expectancy of six months or less, if the disease runs its usual course
- Patient is no longer pursuing aggressive or curative treatments
Hospice care is not limited to people with cancer. Many different diagnoses are appropriate, including, but not limited to, AIDS, Alzheimer and related dementias, ALS or Lou Gerhig’s disease, cardiac disease, congenital anomalies, lung disease (COPD), end-stage diabetes, inanition or failure to thrive, liver disease, MS, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and renal disease.
How do you receive a referral?
Anyone can make a referral to Glory Hospice & Palliative Care. Our registered nurse and/or social worker will contact the physician if a friend or family member requests hospice services. Glory Hospice & Palliative Care has many referral sources in the community-hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living homes, physicians, and other health care providers to name a few.
Will we have to go to the hospital?
Most patients prefer to stay at home. Glory Hospice & Palliative Care is committed to the care of your loved one wherever they are. In most cases, our staff can work with your physician and continue to provide care in your home. Personal care can become overwhelming, and in some cases, unrealistic. In these cases we help find placement in nursing facilities, or provide Respite in one of our local hospitals for several days. We can also help find placement in nursing facilities, or provide Respite care in one of our local hospitals for at least five days. This time ensures the continued care of the patient, and the caregiver gets a well deserved break to take care of themselves.
How long does the admission process take?
Glory Hospice & Palliative Care has developed its own high quality admission process and contacts every family within one hour after a referral is received. It is also our standard practice to begin the admission process on the same day as the referral date.
What if we need a hospital bed?
At the time of the admission, the needs of the patient are assessed. This includes the need for medical equipment. There is usually no cost to the patient or family for medical equipment, our nursing care, or medications pertaining to your loved one’s diagnosis.
What if we’re not ready for Hospice?
We are happy to meet with you and explain hospice benefits, and our care which is patient and family directed. There is no obligation. We know how difficult this decision can be for families. When you are ready, we hope you will choose Glory Hospice & Palliative Care.
