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What is Hospice?

Hospice is a special kind of care that focuses on the quality of life during the last stages of an advanced illness. It is designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to cure oriented treatments. Hospice care treats the person rather than the disease. We are a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers and family members.

What are the goals of the Northwoods Hospice program?

One of our primary goals is to celebrate quality of life by enabling you to be as comfortable and free of pain as possible. We work with you to develop a comprehensive care plan that involves you, your family, physicians, nurses, counselors, aides and volunteers. We will also assist you and your family to lessen the fears, distress, loss and grief that may accompany this time in your life.

When should we call Northwoods Hospice?

• Northwoods Hospice can best help patients when there is time to plan.
• Patients choose hospice when it becomes clear that a cure is no longer likely and they want the type of care that will allow them to live as fully as possible until the end of life.
• When you and your physician agree that you have a terminal illness and your life expectancy is six months or less, this is typically the time to call hospice.

Where is care provided?

We usually care for patients and families in the comfort of their own homes. But our doctors, nurses and other caregivers can make visits to nursing homes and hospitals. Your family and friends will also be able to be able to assist in your care.

What kind of care will I receive?

Your physician will still be involved with your hospice care. You will have a hospice patient care coordinator assigned to you and your family to design a care plan based on your wishes. Our Nurses will focus on keeping you as comfortable and pain free as possible while managing other symptoms. We will provide necessary medical equipment as well as pain and comfort medications. Our nurse’s aides will be available to assist with your personal care needs. Local clergy will be available to work with you and your family. Our trained volunteers are available for companionship, reading, recreation and help with household activities. We can also provide physical, occupational and speech therapist as needed.

What kind of emotional support does Northwoods Hospice offer?

Our counselors help patients and families develop coping skills and ease worries over how an illness will progress. We also help with difficult conversations that patients and families may want to have but may not know how to start.

Am I eligible for Hospice Care?

While many hospice patients are diagnosed with cancer, hospice services are also available to patients with pulmonary disease, heart disease, neurological disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, and AIDS. Patients and families who choose hospice are the core of the hospice team and are at the center of all decision making. You need to have a primary care provider who is available and willing to assist with your care. This is typically a family member or friend.

Who pays for Hospice Care?

Medicare and most insurance plans cover the cost of Hospice. Your individual plan may have deductibles, co-pay or limits. If you do not have Hospice coverage, we will work with you to determine appropriate available services.

What if we change our minds about hospice care?

It is important to note that you may discontinue  Hospice care at any time and can select other types of care for any reason.