After seeing that a loved one in Cleveland may be ready for hospice care, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure of the next steps to take. You might have questions about the timing and requirements for admittance to hospice, too, and you need more information to make the right decision.
At Suncrest Hospice of Cleveland, our admission process is simple, but we understand the burden you’re carrying as a family member. With that in mind, we wanted to explain when and how to arrange for hospice care.
Admission Criteria for Hospice Care
While many people think that only a physician can make a referral to hospice, that’s not the case. Anyone can reach out to a Cleveland hospice care provider for a consultation, so if you’re concerned about a loved one, go ahead and make the call.
However, for services to be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, patients must meet certain qualifications. Hospice is solely for those who:
- Have an incurable medical condition and a presumed life expectancy of six months or less
- Believe that curative treatments are no longer beneficial or even diminishing their quality of life
- Agree to only receive comfort care, forgoing any further efforts to find a cure for their condition
Considering Hospice Care Providers
If you think that your loved one meets the requirements for hospice, you’ll need to choose a Cleveland hospice agency. A local doctor – yours or theirs – can point you toward local care providers, but doing some research can help you find the right fit.
Looking at hospice agency websites and reading reviews can tell you a lot about local organizations. Here’s what to consider as you compare care providers:
- How long has the agency been in operation?
- What services are provided to hospice patients?
- Does the agency supply medical equipment?
- Are medications and medical supplies provided?
- Do families give the hospice agency a high rating?
Moving Forward with Hospice Care
After comparing the various hospice care providers in the Cleveland area, you can make a choice. Most, including Suncrest, will send a representative to your loved one’s home, but before doing so, the agency may need to make preparations.
When a family member refers a patient to hospice, the agency typically asks for permission to speak with their physician. Once granted, a call is placed to the physician’s office to confirm that hospice would be appropriate. If so – meaning that the individual in question is incurably ill and expected to live for six months or less — the agency requests all medical information pertaining to the patient’s condition.
Hospice Nurse Assessment
Next, the hospice care provider you choose will arrange for an in-person evaluation. The assessment of your loved one is free of charge and comes with no obligation – and it can take place at their Cleveland home.
When a hospice nurse assesses an incurably ill individual, their goal is to get the information they need to create a personalized care plan. The plan is designed to meet the needs of the patient, so this is an important step. That said, the consult is also an opportunity for the family. Everyone can ask questions and bring up concerns, as everyone needs to feel comfortable about the transition.
At this point, you could speed up the admissions process by sharing relevant medical documents with the agency representative. Hospice care providers need:
- Medicare or Medicaid cards, or details regarding private insurance
- Any health care directives or powers of attorney documentation
- A medication list, including names, dosage amounts and frequency
Signing the Hospice Consent Form
Once the assessment is complete, all that remains is to have the consent form signed. If your loved one’s condition has adversely affected their ability to make decisions or communicate their wishes, you or another family member may need to handle this task.
The consent form for hospice care is similar to that for checking into a Cleveland hospital. The document contains the individual’s contact details and insurance information along with patient’s rights and protections. Signing the form confirms the need for hospice and an understanding of the services and support to be provided. This may seem like a formality, but taking the time to carefully read the consent form before signing is advisable. That way, if anything is unclear or missing, the issue can be addressed.
When the consent form has been signed, services typically begin within a few days. However, if the situation is urgent, most Cleveland hospice care providers can expedite the admissions process.
Ready to Begin the Hospice Care Admissions Process?
At Suncrest Hospice of Cleveland, we realize that the end-of-life journey can be difficult to navigate. We’re here for you every step of the way, and our friendly team can answer your questions and walk you through the options and benefits of hospice care.
The Suncrest team would be more than happy to come out to your loved one’s home for an information visit. For a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss admission to hospice care, contact our office in Cleveland, Ohio, today.
