Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a topic and click to see the answer:
- What is Hospice?
- Hospice of South Central Indiana, Inc. is a not-for-profit, community based program providing care to seriously ill persons in a 15 county service area in South Central Indiana. Hospice services are provided wherever the patient is...Home, Hospice Inpatient Facility, Assisted Living Facility, Nursing Home, Hospital. Hospice recognizes that individuals with a life limiting illness have special physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs. Hospice staff and volunteers are dedicated to providing quality care and services to every patient and their family who need our special services.
- What's the difference between "curative" and "palliative care"?
- Curative measures are those intended to cure a patient's disease. Palliative care means symptom control. Hospice is expert in controlling the distressing symptoms that a patient may have as a result of their disease.
- Is Hospice a religious organization?
- Hospice is an independent home based program offering a total support system to patients and families who are dealing with a life limiting illness. It is not a religious organization, but the nature of Hospice's philosophy encompasses spiritual issues. The issue of addressing spirituality is a personal decision, reached by the patient or family. Hospice always respects the rights of the patients and families on this and all other issues.
- What does Hospice Medicare and Medicaid cover?
- The Hospice Medicare and Medicaid benefit covers all services related to the terminal illness for patients who meet the admission criteria. This coverage includes nursing and social services, medical equipment and supplies, medication and acute inpatient care if needed. Additional benefits are provided and a detailed list can be found on this website under the tab "Services".
- What's the difference between regular Medicare and Hospice Medicare?
- Under Hospice Medicare, Hospice is financially responsible for all treatments and services related to the terminal illness. The patient is not billed for these services and there is no deductible or co-payment.
- Does Indiana have a Hospice Medicaid benefit?
- Yes, the State of Indiana has a Hospice Medicaid benefit that is the same as the Federal Hospice Medicare benefit plan.
- Where does Hospice get its operating funds?
- Hospice of South Central Indiana, Inc. is licensed and certified as a Hospice Agency. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance will cover most services provided by Hospice of South Central Indiana, Inc. As a not-for-profit organization, services not covered are funded through: Memorial and Private Donations, Foundation & Community Grants and United Way and United Fund. Hospice of South Central Indiana, Inc. does not deny services to anyone on the basis of race, religion, age, color, gender, physical or mental handicaps, or the ability to pay.
- What does the admissions process involve?
- The admissions process involves an interview with an admissions nurse to discuss what the patient and family can expect from Hospice, how care is provided, the services available, and information on illness. Medicare, Medicaid and/or other available benefits will be discussed, although Hospice never denies treatment based on a patient's ability to pay for services.
- Where is Hospice care provided?
- Hospice provides the majority of its care in a patient's home, with family and friends acting as caregivers. In addition, Hospice can furnish care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other types of residential facilities. If a patient requires inpatient care in order to address severe symptoms or to provide respite for a caregiver, the Inpatient Facility is available.
- Does Hospice have an Inpatient Facility?
- Hospice of South Central Indiana has an Inpatient Facility, located in Columbus, Indiana. It has 14 private patient rooms and has the capability of expanding to 21 private patient rooms in the future. Services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a team of professionals that include physicians, nurses, health aides, volunteers, chaplains, social workers and bereavement counselors.
- Can Hospice admit patients who do not have a physician?
- Although this situation rarely presents itself, there are times when a patient is referred to Hospice who does not have a physician. There are two choices at this point: one is that the patient may seek a physician through the physician referral services, or second, have Hospice seek the assistance of the Hospice Medical Director.
- Can we keep our own doctor?
- Hospice encourages the continuation of a patient's primary care physician. If this is not possible or preferred, specially trained Hospice physicians can see the patient and guide the care plan.
- What ages does Hospice serve?
- Hospice provides care to all terminally ill patients regardless of age.
- Does Hospice just take patients with cancer?
- No. Each potential admission is individually assessed for appropriateness for the Hospice program. Hospice routinely has patients with end-stage congestive heart failure, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (Lung) Disease), ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), AIDS, Alzheimer's and other diseases. The Hospice physician and care team work closely with each patient and their physician to determine if Hospice is appropriate.
- Is a living will or "Do Not Resuscitate Order" (DNR) needed for admittance to Hospice?
- Neither is necessary for admission; however, Hospice encourages families to have advance directives. For additional information on Advance Directives click here to access the Indiana State Department of Health website.
- Does Hospice have patients in nursing homes?
- Through our Nursing Home Program, Hospice is able to provide services to persons with life limiting illnesses in nursing homes. These patients may either be patients who transfer to nursing homes or nursing home patients who are admitted directly to the Hospice program. The same care and services that are provided in the home setting are available to those in a nursing home.
- What if we have a problem on a weekend or holiday?
- Help from the Hospice team is available 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. Nurses and social workers are continually on call to address concerns by telephone, or if necessary, with a visit.
- Are all Hospice patients pain free at the time of death?
- Pain control is a prime consideration within the Hospice program and the staff stays current on the latest pain control medications and technologies. Hospice's goal is to enable the patient to be at home with loved ones, as comfortable and free from pain as possible. Early referrals allow more time to adjust pain medications to maximize pain control.
- What is bereavement support?
- Hospice has a strong bereavement program with full-time bereavement counselors. Counselors maintain contact with Hospice families for a period of 13 months following the death of a patient. Regular phone contact, individual counseling, as well as support groups are available.
- How can I become a Hospice volunteer?
- Volunteers are a vital part of the Hospice program. All volunteers participate in a comprehensive training program that orients them to the Hospice philosophy and program, and helps to find their niche in Hospice volunteerism. Patient services are only one of the many roles available to volunteers who may choose from a list of opportunities. Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering for Hospice is encouraged to contact Marcia Bundura, Volunteer Manager, at 812.314.8030 or toll free at 800.841.4938 ext. 8030, or by email at mbundura@crh.org.
- Does Hospice use and disclose my protected health care information?
- Hospice maintains privacy protection and adheres to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). More information on this can be found in the Notice of Privacy Practices.
