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Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a specific place. Although Hospice services may take place in a hospital, skilled nursing facility or an assisted living residence, care is most often given in the patient’s or family member’s home. There are many factors to consider when making the decision to have a loved one hospitalized—( See Details). When a Hospice patient is receiving care in a hospital setting it is our goal to effectively manage the patient’s symptoms and maximize their quality of life. Inpatient care however, is not an appropriate long term plan.Once the patient’s symptoms are effectively managed, and the physician feels the patient no longer needs to be hospitalized, the hospice social worker will work with you and the patient on a discharge plan. The Hospice social worker and nurse will be available to meet with you and discuss possible care options for the patient. Each situation is unique and it is our goal that each discharge plan be individualized.
Refer to our Inpatient Brochure for more information.
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What Factors are Considered when Admitting a Patient to a Hospital ?
(Source: The CMS Hospice Manual, Publication 21.$230.1 P.)
Pain Requiring:
- Complicated technical delivery of medication requiring a Registered Nurse for calibration, tubing changes, or site care.
- Frequent evaluation by physician/nurse
- Aggressive treatment to control pain
- Frequent medication adjustment
- Transfusions for symptom relief
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- Sudden deterioration requiring intensive nursing intervention
- Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting
- Pathological fractures
- Respiratory distress which becomes unmanageable
- Open lesions needing frequent skilled care
- Traction and frequent repositioning requiring more than one staff member
- Complex wound care requiring complex dressing changes
- New and/or worsening delirium or agitation
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- Acute anxiety, fear of dying and/or depression requiring intensive nursing interventions
- Collapse of family support requiring
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- Complex medications, treatments, etc.
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- Requiring skilled nursing care for pain or symptom management due to a breakdown in the home support system.
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