What if I improve or live longer than six months?
At Chisholm Trail Hospital, we believe that every patient has the right to make their own decisions. If you ever feel you want to discontinue the hospice benefit, we respect your choice. Plus, our dedicated team of providers, committed to your care, has witnessed remarkable cases where patients have actually shown signs of improvement. Rest assured, if your physician determines that you will live beyond six months, you can easily transition out of hospice care.
How often will I be see by the Hospice team?
The frequency of visits depends on your care plan and will be adjusted as needed. There is no fixed schedule for visits, as they will vary based on your specific requirements.
What if I had an emergency in the middle of the night or on a holiday?
Our services are available round the clock, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. We encourage patients and caregivers to contact us at any time for assistance, and we will ensure that they are connected with the relevant staff member who can address their specific needs. Additionally, our team of nurses is ready to make home visits to cater to any changing requirements of the patient, even if it falls outside the originally planned care schedule.
Do I Qualify?
A patient is eligible for hospice when:
- The determination of a patient’s eligibility for hospice care, based on a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its typical progression, is made by either the hospice medical director or in consultation with the patient’s attending physician, if applicable.
- The decision to enroll in the hospice benefit is made by either the patient or their family.
How Will I Pay?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically provide full coverage for the cost of hospice services. Please contact us at 580-251-8764 to discuss all options.
Myth 1: Hospice care is only for the last days of life.
There is a widespread misunderstanding that home hospice care is exclusively intended for individuals in a severely debilitated state. Hospice care is available to anyone whose prognosis is 6 months or less if the illness progresses as expected, and it may be extended beyond this time frame if the patient meets the necessary eligibility criteria.
Myth 2: Hospice care is giving up
Opting for hospice care entails a transition towards prioritizing a better quality of life and enhanced support. Deciding to choose hospice care at an earlier stage allows for a greater duration to fully leverage the available benefits that individuals may be eligible for.
Myth 3: You aren't allowed to take your medications
Hospice provides coverage for medications required for managing pain, symptoms, and diseases associated with a terminal diagnosis and related conditions. Chisholm Trail Hospice will collaborate with you and your physician to assess medications and ensure that optimal pain and symptom management is achieved.
Myth 4: Hospice patients must be homebound
The primary focus of hospice care is to support individuals’ regular daily routines. Being confined to one’s home is not a prerequisite for qualifying for hospice services.
Myth 5: Hospice means you get less care
The inclusion of hospice services provides individuals with an enhanced level of care during times of need. These services are designed to prioritize personal goals and minimize any disruptions to normal daily activities. By opting for hospice, one can allocate more time to prioritize the most significant people and matters in their life.
Furthermore, the Medicare hospice benefit encompasses a comprehensive package, including services, supplies, equipment, medication, and support, without any additional cost or co-payments.
Myth 6: Once you start home hospice care, you are locked into it
Hospice patients have the right to opt-out of receiving hospice care at any point, regardless of the reasoning. Patients hold the authority to make informed choices regarding their own healthcare.
Myth 7: Hospice is only for cancer patients
Hospice care is available to individuals who meet the established eligibility criteria and have received a diagnosis indicating a life-limiting prognosis of six months or less.
Myth 8: Palliative care is the same as hospice
Hospice care is a comprehensive approach to end-of care that aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. It is specifically tailored for individuals with a limited life expectancy and does not involve curative treatment.
On the other hand, palliative care involves a nurse practitioner who works closely with the patient’s other healthcare providers. The primary goal of palliative care is to alleviate uncontrolled symptoms at any stage of illness and can be administered concurrently with curative treatment.
Myth 9: Does the patient lose their primary care physician when they enroll in hospice
Opting for the hospice care does not impact a ability to select their primary physician.
Myth 10: I can't afford hospice care
Hospice care is a comprehensive service that is typically covered in its entirety by Medicare or by other insurance providers. It is a privileged entitlement that provides supplementary assistance, medical equipment, and enhanced care for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.
Contact Us
Chisholm Trail Hospice
2150 W Elk Avenue
Duncan, OK 73533
580-251-8764
Fax: 580-251-8760
Become a Hospice Volunteer
Hospice care involves supporting the patient and their loved ones. Hospice volunteers are a vital part of providing compassionate support. This can be done in a variety of ways:
- Companionship with the patient
- Caregiver Relief (Respite care)
- Practical Services
- Office Support