Depending on the progression of the disease and the time of referral, the length of stay in hospice care varies greatly. Some people believe that a person qualifies for hospice only if he or she is bedridden, unable to care for him/herself, or acutely dying. This is untrue. Many of our patients are still quite mobile, are able to care for themselves, and can participate actively in daily living. A few patients have lived over two years in our care while continuing to meet hospice guidelines.

A recent report in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management cites a study that concludes hospice care can prolong the lives of some terminally ill patients. Longer lengths of survival were found in four of six disease categories in the study. The greatest difference was found among patients with congestive heart failure, where the mean survival period jumped by 81 days. See similar questions...

Though most hospice patients come from cancer-related illnesses, there are many other diagnoses that qualify for hospice care once they reach an end-stage prognosis (life expectancy of 6 months or less). Among those are: Insurance coverage for hospice is available through Medicare and in 80% of states in the U.S. under Medicaid. In addition, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations include hospice care as a benefit. See similar questions...

Services are designed for terminally ill individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. However, if you live beyond the initial six months, you can continue receiving hospice care as long as the attending physician recertifies that you are terminally ill. Hospice services are still covered as long as you meet hospice criteria of having a terminal prognosis, and are recertified with a limited life expectancy of six months or less. See similar questions...

My reply is that I have observed people who are hallucinating on medications. During those hallucinations they can not hold a logical conversation with me. They are completely lost in their hallucinations. In contrast, I have interrupted dying people who were conversing with deceased relatives that I could not see. When interrupted, they could talk with me in a completely rational fashion and make complete sense. See similar questions...

Well I guess that depends on who you talk to--Most farmers who are in the egg producing business will say 2 years. Those who are in the meat producing business will say 6 months--Those who keep birds as pets (with names) or who are not interested in maximum production of eggs, will find that chickens can live up to 8 or 10 years. See similar questions...

Yes. Hospice of Kankakee Valley is primarily home-based. If pain and symptoms cannot be controlled at home, patients can be hospitalized; however, this is extremely rare: less than one tenth of one percentof HKV care days were spent in the hospital over the past two years. See similar questions...

No. Many of our patients are admitted for a short period of time so that symptoms may be relieved or a period of respite care provided. This will often enable patients to return home with follow-up support by one of our Specialist Home Care Nurses. See similar questions...

A . Their GP, District Nurse, Cancer Society, Hospitals or Clergy may refer a patient. Alternatively a family member may contact the Hospice for help and assistance, provided the patient gives consent. See similar questions...

After a diagnosis of life-limiting illness, patients and their families should consider their choices for care. A patient does not have to be bed-bound or critically ill to be admitted to hospice. A hospice representative would be happy to talk with you or your family about the hospice option. See similar questions...

No. Hospice care is for all terminally ill patients in the end-stage of any disease, including, but not limited to lung disease (emphysema, fibrosis, COPD, etc.), heart disease, neurological disease (ALS, Alzheimer's) and AIDS. There is also no age restriction. While most patients in Hospice are over 60 years of age, younger adults and children are also served. See similar questions...

Answer: Yes. Schedule II-V controlled substance prescriptions, written for a patient enrolled in hospice, may be faxed to a pharmacy for dispensing. The hospice patient may reside in a personal residence or hospice facility. DEA regulations allow for the transfer of a Schedule II prescription to a dispensing pharmacy by facsimile for patients enrolled in a Medicare certified or state licensed hospice. See similar questions...

Hospice patients are cared for by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists, and volunteers and each provide assistance based on his or her area of expertise. In addition, hospice helps provide medications, supplies, equipment, hospital services, and additional helpers in the home, if and when needed. See similar questions...

Hospice care is for any person who has a life-limiting or terminal diagnosis. Mid-Fairfield Hospice cares for many patients with end-stage lung disease (COPD), Alzheimer's disease and end-stage cardiac disease (CHF) as well as cancer. There are four levels of hospice care available from the Medicare Hospice Benefit: Routine Hospice, Respite, Continuous Care, and General Inpatient Care. Mid-Fairfield Hospice has contracts with many facilities for all levels of hospice care. See similar questions...

There is no age limit for hospice care. Mid-Fairfield Hospice has provided care for patients from age 3 to 110 years old. See similar questions...

Patients scheduled for an endoscopic discectomy are requested to stay in California for three days. They will be seen for a consultation and surgery discussion on the first day, surgery will be performed on the second day, and they can return home on the third day after a post-operative visit with the doctor. Patients with open discectomies are requested to stay for at least two days post-operatively. See similar questions...