Admissions Process For Headwaters Hospice And Palliative Care
The admissions process for hospice can be confusing. Trying to decide when the time is right or whether hospice is the right fit for you or someone you love feels overwhelming, especially in the face of so many other overwhelming changes. The compassionate team from Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care, LLC, can help you determine when to enroll in hospice care, explain our services, and create a custom plan to meet your loved one’s needs.
We provide admissions the same day as we get the referral, including weekends and holidays.
You can start with a quick phone call to our team. We’ll answer your questions, offer our sympathy and support, and provide you with information about enrolling yourself or a family member in our hospice or palliative care program. We’re beside you each step of the way. We do it because we C.A.R.E.
Our Hospice Care Admissions Process
Hospice admissions and initiating comfort care begin when the patient or their family agree with the patient’s treating physician that curative medical treatment is no longer an option. Sometimes, the referral for care will come directly from the patient’s doctor; other times, the family may initiate the process.
For Medicare to cover hospice care, though, at least two physicians must certify that curative care is no longer an option and that the person likely has six months or less to live. If you are concerned about how to pay for hospice care, talk to the Headwaters team. We’ll explain the Medicare requirements and can help you determine if private insurance may cover the cost of care.
Timeline For Hospice Admissions
In general, you can expect the hospice care admissions process to follow this timeline:
- Hospice Referral. Your doctor completes a referral for hospice, and we set an initial intake appointment to talk about your fears, needs, and concerns. For many families, simply acknowledging that it’s time for hospice is emotional. We know you're worried and sad; we address your questions and needs with compassion and care.
- Initial Consultation. When you first meet with the Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care team, we explain the options available for you and help you determine which ones best suit your loved one’s needs. We create an initial care plan and tell you how to make changes as your needs change.
- Assessment. We arrange for a nurse to visit you on the first day of care. The nurse assesses your needs, including medical equipment, medication schedule, and personal care supplies. We try to complete referrals and admissions within 24 to 48 hours.
- Continuing Care. Continuing care is the core of Headwaters Hospice treatment. We offer 24-7 access to care and support, including weekends, and promptly respond to communications. Our services also include respite care when your family caregiver needs relief. We also offer pain management alternatives and help obtain additional home modification equipment and medical supplies required by the patient.
- Grief Counseling. We offer grief and bereavement counseling when you initially enroll in hospice care, and up to a year after the patient passes away, for family and loved ones.
Contact Us To Initiate Hospice Enrollment
Please contact the compassionate support team at Headwaters Hospice and Palliative Care, LLC, about obtaining a doctor's referral and enrolling in hospice. We take a patient approach; every decision is yours, and we treat you with dignity and respect as you work through the hospice admissions process.