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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hospice?
Hospice provides services that focus on comfort rather than cure for people with any end-stage, terminal illness. Hospice provides quality of life for the patient for whatever time remains, meeting not only the physical needs, but their spiritual and emotional needs as well. The person, not the disease, is the center of attention. In addition, hospice addresses the concerns of the person's family.
How does someone get hospice care?
Anyone can request information directly from us, or from their doctor or nurse practitioner, about hospice care. Your primary healthcare provider can help determine if hospice care is appropriate for you and contact us to make a referral for your admission to hospice care. If you don't have a primary care physician, visit the Find a Doctor link at www.yakimamemorial.org.
How is hospice care delivered?
Once a person and their family selects hospice care, a registered nurse and medical social worker help the patient and designated family members develop a comprehensive plan of care that supports the person's values and choices. This plan of care includes, among other things, the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient; the other team members desired; and the frequency of visits by each team member. Other team services made available to the patient and their families include: physicians, certified nursing assistants, bath aide, chaplains, bereavement counselors and trained volunteers.
Where is hospice care delivered?
Memorial Hospice delivers care to people wherever they live: in private residences, in nursing homes, in assisted living and retirement communities, and in hospitals.
When is the right time for hospice help?
If you are diagnosed with an advanced illness, start the conversation with your doctor then. Memorial Hospice provides a continuum of services and resources appropriate for patients and families coping with advanced illness.
We are committed to helping you find the best resources to meet your specific needs.
How is hospice care paid for?
Hospice services, equipment and medications related to the person's terminal diagnosis are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies. Thanks to the generous support of our community, hospice care is available to all who need it, regardless of their insurance coverage or ability to pay.
Does Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
Hospice does nothing to either hasten or unduly prolong the dying process. Hospice provides expert knowledge and a compassionate presence during this very intimate, and often difficult, time for families. Hospice focuses on caring for the patient rather than working to cure the disease. If anything, hospice care can prolong life and its quality. Our services are designed to bring comfort, control pain and other symptoms; address the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient, their family and caregivers; and provide assistance in matters of practical concern.
What kind of training do your volunteers receive?
Patient companion volunteers must complete a comprehensive training program. Included in the training are the hospice history and philosophy, the concept of interdisciplinary team care and the medical, emotional and spiritual aspects of hospice care. Disease processes, stress relief and communication skills are also part of this very thorough training conducted by our Hospice staff and active volunteers. Prospective volunteers, like employees, are interviewed thoroughly by members of the management team. References are required and both criminal and driving records are reviewed.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Hospice staff members are happy to answer any of your questions and give you all the information you need by phone, letter or in person. Our office is located at 1019 S. 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Our main phone number is 509-574-3600.
Are all hospices the same?
No. "Hospice" is a medical specialty like pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, etc. Each hospice is a different organization. All hospices have the same general philosophy but their services may differ.
Can pain and symptoms be controlled at home?
Yes. Pain and other symptoms can usually be controlled in the patient's home. If a symptom (i.e. pain, nausea or vomiting, or difficulty breathing) becomes a problem, the hospice nurse can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Advances have been made in pain management, particularly in hospice care. Most symptoms can be controlled without the use of injections or IV medication. The hospice nurse will assess your pain and symptom control at each visit.
Does Hospice provide 24 hour in home care?
No. Hospice provides intermittent nursing visits to assess, monitor and treat symptoms, as well as teach family and caregivers how best to care for the patient. Team members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions or visit anytime the need for support arises.
Can I live alone and still receive Hospice services?
Yes, although a plan must be in place for when you are unable to care for yourself.
Can a hospice patient choose to return to curative treatment?
Yes. Receiving hospice care is always a choice. A patient may leave hospice and return to curative treatment if that is their choice. If the patient later chooses to return to hospice care, Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies permit re-activation of the hospice benefit.
Can I go back to the hospital and still receive hospice care?
Yes. However, many symptoms that would normally require hospitalization or an emergency room visit can be successfully managed at home by the hospice team, thus preventing the stress of hospitalization. Hospice patients generally only have the need for short hospital stays to stabilize a symptom and then are able to return home.
Is the decision for hospice care giving up hope or waiting to die?
No. Hospice is about living. Hospice strives to bring quality of life and comfort to a patient and their family. Our successes are in helping a patient and family live fully until the end. Often patients will feel better with good pain and symptom management. Hospice is an experience of care and support, different from any other type of care.
Do I have to be homebound to receive hospice services?
No. Hospice is about living fully. We encourage patients to do what they enjoy as they are able. The hospice team assists patients and families in achieving their goals and dreams as much as possible.
Does hospice provide support to the family after the patient dies?
Yes. Services may include personal visits, providing information concerning the grief process and offering periodic opportunities for group support. Bereavement services provide information and referral to other area resources when needed.
© Memorial Hospice, 1019 South 40th Avenue, Yakima, WA 98908 • 509-574-3600