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What services are provided by Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado? Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado, Inc. provides care to people dying of an incurable illness. Such care differs from curative medicine, which focuses on restoring health and supportive medicine, which involves treatment for chronic illness. The goal of our care is to provide comfort for the rest of the patient's life with a peaceful death. Our care focues on relieving the symptoms, particularly the pain, or an incurable illness. It also addresses the psychological, social and spititual needs of the patient and provides support for the patient's family and caregivers. We provide care through:
Hospice care includes:
Hospice care also includes the patient's loved one by providing up to thirteen months of bereavement care after the patient's death. Hospice care is appropriate when a patient has received a prognosis of six months or less. When a patient chooses hospice, the decision is made to discontinue curative measures in favor of comfort care that focuses on pain management and symptom control, as well as emotional and psychosocial support for both patient and family. When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it? The subject of hospice care can be addressed at any time as the physician and patient discuss treatment options. Ultimately, the decision regarding hospice care belongs to the patient. There is no definite time to make the decision because each patient/family situation is different. However, experience has shown that early referrals are very beneficial for the patient, both physically and emotionally. Hospice care becomes appropriate when the patient and family need help and counseling to adjust to the diagnosis , learn how to care for the patient and prepare for future changes. Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado provides care for as long as required without any time limit. Hospice care is given in periods of care. An indivudual can have hospice for two 90-day periods, followed by an unlimited number of 60-day periods. Bereavement services are available for family members for up to thirteen months after the patient's passing. Hospice care ends only when:
Where is hospice care administered? Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado provides the majority of its care in a patient’s place of residence, with family and friends acting as caregivers. If a patient requires inpatient care in order to address acute symptoms or to provide respite for a caregiver, wer will arrange for a patient to be placed in our in-patient unit, located at North Colorado Medical Center. In-patient care is also available for Morgan County patients at East Morgan County Hospital in Brush. Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins? Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado will assess your needs, recommend any necessary equipment and help make arrangements to obtain it. How does Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado manage pain? Our registered nurses and the patient's physician work together to provide the proper pain management regiment. Members of our staff are certified in Hospice and Palliative Care, and are experts in pain management. We also have social workers and chaplains available for emotional and spiritual needs. Is hospice care covered by insurance? Yes. Medicare, Medicaid and most private health insurance policies provide hospice care coverage. What if I do not have insurance or enough personal income to pay for services? Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado provides care to everyone regardless of ability to pay. Does Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado provide any help to the family after the patient dies? The Medicare Hospice Benefit provides bereavement support for family members and loved ones for a period of 13 months. What if we have a problem on a week night, weekend or holiday? Help from the Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado interdisciplinary team is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year. What does the admission process involve? A phone call to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado at (970) 352-8487 or (800) 564-5563 can begin the admission process. Anyone may make a referral to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado and the earlier the referral the more benefit to patients and their families. Final approval for our hospice program must come from the patient's primary care physician. A hospice admissions nurse schedules a visit to explain the program and services and assesses the needs of each patient and his or her unique situation. Together the patient and family make the choice to begin hospice care. Admission is available to patients regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, handicap, age, diagnosis or ability to pay. Insurance coverage is available through Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans for services related to the admitting diagnosis.. How do I refer someone to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado? A phone call to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado at (970) 352-8487 or (800) 564-5563 can begin the referral process. Anyone may make a referral to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado, and the earlier the referral the more benefit to patients and their families. Final approval for our hospice program must come from the patient's primary care physician. Is hospice care limited to cancer patients? No. Hospice care is for any patient with a life expectancy prognosis of six months or less. Does Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado cover chemotherapy and radiation? Hospice care does not cover chemotherapy. Radiation is covered at the discretion of the Medical Director.
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