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 persons with an advanced illness in a 15 county service area in southern 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 (e.g. for pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety). 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 an advanced 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, and Hospice will respect and honor the patient's and family's wishes.
- What does Hospice Medicare and Medicaid cover?
- The Hospice Medicare and Medicaid benefit covers all services related to the disease process on which an admission is based. This coverage includes nursing and social services, medical equipment and supplies, medication and acute inpatient care if needed. Additional benefits and services 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 diagnosis on which an admission is based. The patient is not billed for these services and there is no deductible or co-payment.
- Does Indiana have a Hospice Medicaid benefit?
- A. 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 is licensed and certified as a Hospice Agency. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance will cover most services provided by Hospice of South Central Indiana. As a not-for-profit organization, services not covered are funded through: Memorial and Private Donations, Foundation & Community Grants, United Way, and United Fund. Hospice of South Central Indiana 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. The Inpatient Facility is available if a patient requires inpatient care in order to address severe symptoms or to provide respite for a caregiver.
- Does Hospice have an Inpatient Facility?
- The Inpatient Facility, located in Columbus, Indiana, has 14 private patient rooms and has the capability of expanding to 21 private patient rooms in the future. Services are provided 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by a team of professionals that include physicians, nurses, home health aides, volunteers, chaplains, social workers and bereavement counselors.
- Can Hospice admit patients who do not have a physician?
- On rare occasions, a patient is referred to Hospice who does not have a physician. There are two options at this time: the patient may seek a physician through the physician referral services, or have Hospice seek the assistance of the Hospice Medical Director.
- Can we keep our own doctor?
- A patient may choose to have their primary physician remain as their "Attending Physician" or choose to have one of the Hospice physicians or Nurse Practitioner become their "Attending Physician" while under Hospice Care. If you would like for the Hospice physician to be your attending, he/she will continue to keep your primary doctor informed and communicate with him/her as needed.
- What ages does Hospice serve?
- Hospice provides care to all patients with an advanced illness 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 visit the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.in.gov/isdh/files/advanceddirectives.pdf.
- Does Hospice have patients in nursing homes?
- Through our Nursing Home Program, Hospice is able to provide services to persons with advanced 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 per day, 7 days per week. We have staff on-call after normal working hours 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. Volunteers participate in a comprehensive training program that orients them on the Hospice philosophy and program, and helps find their niche in Hospice volunteerism. Patient services are one of 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 the Manager of Volunteer Services, at 812.314.8030 or toll free at 800.841.4938 ext. 8030, or visit our website at www.hospiceofsouthcentralindiana.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.
