Hospice is a unique approach to caring for persons who are terminally ill. It is helping patients and families deal with the issues of loss and death.

The family is served as a unit and with the guidance and support of the Hospice team, decisions about care and treatment are made together.

It involoves a team of specially trained professionals who provide expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual wupport that is tailored to the individual patient's needs and wishes. Their focus is on caring not curing.

Hospice focuses on the unique needs of patients and families-physical, social, spiritual and emotional.

Most care is provided "at home" by family and friends with Hospice personnel providing relief and support to care givers. Techniques of caregiving are taught to family members, but help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hospice care can also be provided in area nursing homes if the patient and family desire. Patient care is under the direction of the Hospice.

Care giving sometimes can be physically and emotionally exhausting - hospice can provide respite care in the hospital for up to 5 days to allow families a chance to rest.

The Hospice team, which consists of your physician, nurses, home health aides, volunteers, social workers, and clergy meet on a regular basis to review your status and problem solve difficult areas.

Hospice is skilled in the area of pain management since pain control is one of the major objectives of hospice care. Being comfortable helps provide patients and families with more control and a more positive outlook.

WHO CAN RECEIVE HOSPICE CARE? Hospice services are available to anyone regardless of illness, culture, age, gender, or financial status. The criteria for receiving hospice care are that the patient has a terminal illness, has been certified by a medical progessional as having a prognosis of six months or less, and does not wish to pursue curative treatment.

WHERE DO I GO TO GET HOSPICE SERVICES? You don't have to go anywhere = hospice comes to you ! Whether you are in a nursing home, hospice facility hospital, or in your own home, hospice professionals will provide services wherever you live and are most comfortable. This flexibility in service is part of the hospice mission to help patients live their lives as they wish during this difficult time.

HOW DO I PAY FOR HOSPICE?

Hospice care is usually paid by Medicare and, in some states, Medicaid. In addition, many other types of health plans cover hospice services. For patients who do not have insurance and do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, many hospice programs will offer their services free of charge.

You should discuss fees and your ability to pay with the hospice provider of your choice.

Manitowoc County has 6 Hospice Providers in the area. All are Medicare and Medical Assistance Certified Providers. Call your insurance company to see if you have hospice benefits, and need to use a preferred provider.