What specific services does Hospice of the Valley provide?
Hospice of the Valley patients are cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, home health aides, chaplains, therapists, and volunteers. Each provides assistance based on his or her own area of expertise. In addition, Hospice of the Valley provides medications, supplies, equipment, and hospital services related to the terminal illness.
Does a patient have to be facing imminent death to be referred to Hospice of the Valley?
No. Hospice of the Valley can assist in the care of patients with life expectancies of up to 12 months. However, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient's care options, including hospice, at any time during a life-limiting illness. Hospice of the Valley staff members are experts in end-of-life issues and are always available to discuss them with the patient and family.
Does a patient have to live at home to receive Hospice care?
No. In addition to the patient’s home, Hospice care can be provided in a nursing home, an assisted living facility or the hospital when necessary.
Can the patient's physician continue to be involved?
Yes. Hospice of the Valley does not take the place of a patient’s primary physician. Our team works closely with each patient, their physician, and their family to determine what level of care is needed.
How is Hospice paid for?
Most insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid pay hospice benefits. However, Hospice of the Valley accepts patients based on need, not their ability to pay.
Is Hospice care only for elderly patients?
No. Hospice of the Valley provides quality end-of-life care to people of all ages. Our patients range from newborns to children to the elderly.
Is Hospice care only for cancer patients?
No. Hospice care is available for anyone diagnosed by his or her physician with a life-limiting illness. This could include such diseases as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Stroke, Kidney Failure, Leukemia, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s and others.
What kind of volunteer services are available?
There are over 150 volunteers that work with Hospice of the Valley to provide day-to-day needs as simple as visiting with a patient or delivering a balloon bouquet. Our volunteers provide much-needed relief for busy caregivers by offering to run errands, reading to a patient, creating special memory scrapbooks, and in many other ways. Some patients may also receive music, pet, or massage therapy.
When are services available?
Hospice of the Valley offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, nursing services are available 24 hours a day/7days a week.
Can a Hospice patient return to regular medical treatment if they improve?
Yes. If the patient's condition improves, or their disease goes into remission, they may choose to discontinue hospice care. If the patient should later need to return, they may do so at any time.
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