Hospice care improves comfort, enriches quality of life and increases peace of mind for patients and their families. You may have heard about hospice care and have questions. We hope this will answer many of your questions, and if you have others, we’re here with answers. Please call us. Winona Health – Winona Area Hospice at 507-457-4468.
Q: Who can receive hospice care? A: Hospice care is for anyone facing a life-limiting illness, providing comfort, dignity, and support in life’s final stages. This includes individuals with dementia, heart, lung, liver, kidney disease, cancer, and other serious conditions. Hospice is here to help both patients and their loved ones. You do not have to be a Winona Health patient to be eligible for care through Winona Health Hospice Services.
Q: Does being referred to hospice mean I am going to die soon? A: Hospice care focuses on comfort and making the most of life. It doesn’t make death come more quickly, nor is it designed to prolong life, but studies show that patients who have certain illnesses actually live somewhat longer with hospice care than those with the same illness who don’t choose hospice care.
Q: Does choosing hospice mean we’re giving up? A: Hospice is not ‘giving up.’ It’s compassionate care that enhances comfort, dignity, and quality of life for someone whose time is drawing to a close. It’s actually “something more”—offering support for those who have been told nothing more can be done and for those who choose to discontinue treatments that may negatively affect their quality of life.
Q: Can I keep my primary care provider while receiving hospice care? A: Your primary care provider or specialists are encouraged to remain engaged in your care. The hospice physician works closely with your healthcare provider to determine the specific medical needs that will be addressed in your personalized plan of care.
Q: It is my healthcare provider’s responsibility to bring up hospice? A: While it is the provider’s responsibility to determine whether you or a loved one meets the medical criteria to be eligible for hospice services, patients (or a caregiver) can ask about and discuss hospice whenever they choose.
Q: If I choose to enroll in hospice, can I change my mind later? A: You can discontinue hospice care at any time for any reason without penalty. You can re-enroll in a hospice program any time, if you meet the medical eligibility criteria.
Q: If you choose to receive hospice care, will I still get other medical care? A: The hospice team will provide of all aspects of your care related to the illness that qualifies you for hospice services. You still have the option to seek treatment for any other unrelated illnesses or conditions.
Q: Can I afford hospice care? A: Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance policies as well.
Q: Where can I receive hospice care? A: Winona Health offers hospice care in a 25-mile radius of Winona, and hospice care is available wherever you call home.
Q: How can I learn more about hospice care? A: For more information about hospice and advance care planning, please call Winona Health – Winona Area Hospice at 507-457-4468 or visit winonahealth.org/hospice.
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