• What is Hospice?
• Types of Hospice Care
• Who can be Admitted?
• Life Limiting Illnesss
• End-of-Life Decisions
• Team Approach
• How is Care Paid For?
• FAQs about Hospice Care
• Patient Privacy

Frequently asked questions

What is “palliative” care?

Just because an illness or condition cannot be cured does not mean there is little that can be done. On the contrary, palliative care is active care. It is care that aggressively seeks to improve quality of life by focusing on physical symptoms as well as emotional, social and spiritual needs. Palliative care also reaches out to address the needs of family members and caregivers to maximize support to the patient. Hospice is a type of palliative care for persons with a life-limiting disease or condition.

Is hospice care just for people with cancer?

Any person with a life-limiting illness or condition can be a hospice patient. Illnesses may include end-stage heart, lung, liver and kidney disease; Parkinson’s disease; end-stage Alzheimer’s; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); stroke and coma; other end-stage neurological diseases; and AIDS. Hospice can also care for a patient who may have a number of problems that when considered together create a fragile, life-limiting condition.

Isn’t having hospice like giving up?

Most people are relieved and surprised to learn that hospice is far more about living than dying.

In fact the goal of hospice care is to maximize support so patients can live as fully as possible, for whatever time remains. When diligent attention is given to symptoms, even the small aggravating ones, a patient can expect to feel good enough to enjoy some part of every day.

Can people who live in nursing homes receive hospice care?

Hospice cares for patients wherever they are. The Hospice Facility Care Team is a specialized team for care in skilled nursing homes, assisted living residences, rest homes, and retirement communities. This team also provides consultation on pain and symptom management to facility staff as well as education on patient care, family needs, and grief and loss information and support.

How can Hospice help with grief and loss?

Through the Hospice Counseling and Education Center support is available to anyone who has experienced a loss, regardless of a previous connection to Hospice. To inquire about making an appointment or to register for the next bereavement support group call 702-636-0200.

How can Hospice help individuals and families make decisions about end-of-life issues?

The elderly or any adult with chronic or serious illness may experience uncertainty when changes in their health make it difficult to live life as usual. Call our Counseling and Education Center at 702-636-0200 for a Transitions and Life Changes (TLC) consultation. TLC will help individuals and their loved ones explore issues necessary to enhance and maintain quality of life.

How does someone become a Hospice patient?

Anyone can call to inquire about the services of CompassionCare Hospice. The Hospice Admissions Department 702-636-0200 can answer questions and offer you guidance about how to talk with a friend or family member who may need hospice care. You can also access information and make specific inquiries through the internet at www.compassionCare.com.