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How to Choose a Hospice
How to Choose a Hospice HEALTH
For many people facing a lifelimiting illness, hospice is an unfamiliar model for receiving health care. They may correctly equate hospice with comfortfocused, “whole-person” care at the end of life, but most people’s understanding ends there.
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We are fortunate that our community is home to exceptional hospice care that’s available to everyone who needs it in the last six months of their life. Our local nonpro t hospices have some of the most innovative services and facilities available anywhere in the country. Not only is hospice care one of the most comprehensive forms of care people can receive at the end of life, it’s also very affordable.
In working toward choosing a hospice, it’s helpful to explore some myths and facts about receiving high-quality hospice care.
Myth: Hospice is for the last few days of life.
Fact: People are eligible to receive hospice care when they have 1) a diagnosis of a lifelimiting condition, 2) a life expectancy of six months or less and 3) a primary goal of comfort, not cure. They do not need to be bedbound, wheelchairbound or even homebound to enroll, but two physicians must certify that the person meets the basic hospice eligibility criteria. When patients are able to have hospice care for several weeks or months, there’s more time for hospice staff to support and comfort them—body, mind and spirit. Hospice care also includes emotional and
By Guest Columnist Ben Johnsen, outreach manager for Agrace
spiritual support for patients’ family members, to help them prepare for the loss and process their grief after the death.
Myth: All hospice patients must have “do not resuscitate” (DNR) status.
Fact: Hospice is patient-driven care. Most hospices encourage patients to make their own choice about whether they prefer to be resuscitated or to die naturally in the event their heart or breathing stops. When patients enroll with Agrace HospiceCare, Madison, their care team talks with them and their family or health care agent to be certain their endof-life wishes and advance directives are known to, and ful- lled by, their care team.
Myth: Hospice care is expensive.
Fact: Most patients have minimal out-of-pocket expenses for hospice care, even for medications and equipment that are often needed in the last months of life. The comprehensive care and support provided by hospices is almost completely paid for by Medicare, Medicaid or private health insurance, although there may be small co-payments for medications.
Myth: Hospice is only available to people who have health insurance.
Fact: For people who don’t have health insurance, hospices’ charitable care programs can often help. For example, at Agrace HospiceCare, people who need hospice care but don’t have the means to pay for it can receive free or discounted care through Agrace’s donor-supported Care for All program.
Myth: When people enroll in hospice care, they have to give up Medicare.
Fact: When a patient covered by Medicare chooses to enroll in hospice, their standard Medicare bene ts continue—for items and services that are not related to their terminal illness. Care that is related to their terminal illness is typically included within the Medicare hospice bene t, which pays for covered items and services that are provided or arranged by the hospice.
When a loved one has a lifelimiting illness, hospice can be incredibly helpful. While practices and costs are similar at most nonpro t hospices, certain differences can tip the scales for prospective patients, including the hospice’s accreditation, staff expertise and certi cation, access to inpatient or residential hospice care, volunteer support and community reputation. It’s wise to ask your doctor to explain your choices and his or her recommendation.
Hospice can be incredibly helpful. To learn more, call Agrace at (800) 930-2770 or visit www.agrace.org.
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10 Most Common Sports Injuries HEALTH
Athletes may be vulnerable to certain accidents and injuries associated with participating in sports and other physical activities. Personal safety requires an awareness of the risks associated with certain activities. UnityPoint Health says
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these are the 10 most common sports-related injuries people experience. • Hip exor strain • ACL tear or strain • Concussion • Groin pull/strain • Shin splints • Sciatica • Hamstring strain • Tennis or golf elbow • Shoulder injuries, such as dislocations or strains • Patellofemoral syndrome
Exercising caution while playing sports or exercising, as well as using correct form and guidance, may prevent some of these injuries. Speak with a doctor or physical therapist for ways to alleviate sports injuries and recover more readily.
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