OFFICE: 414-662-7701
Questions On Your Mind
Answers You Need
Read on to find answers to some frequently asked questions regarding By Your Side Hospice Care. If you still have further inquiries, feel free to contact us for further information.
What is hospice comfort care?
Hospice brings comfort and care when focused on pain relief, symptom control, and quality of life to the end of one's journey. Comfort care is centered on the patient and family, optimizing the quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering.
What does hospice care involve?
Our interdisciplinary team works together with the patient and family to provide the highest quality medical care, as well as social and spiritual support. Our mission is to walk alongside those we serve to provide end-of-life care with dignity, comfort, and respect.
When is it time for Hospice?
If you can answer yes to at least four of these statements below regarding your current health condition, this may help determine if hospice is the answer.
- Have an advanced illness that has been given a limited life expectancy by a physician.
- Chosen comfort care that focuses on symptom management rather than curative treatment or extreme measures to sustain life.
- Several hospital or emergency room visits over the last six months.
- Increased medication for physical pain.
- Several falls within the last six months.
- Deteriorating mental abilities.
- Require assistance with two or more of the following: getting out of bed, bathing, dressing, or eating.
- Noticeable shortness of breath, even at rest or feeling more tired and weaker overall.
- Dramatic weight loss, clothes noticeably looser.
How much does it cost?
You can rest easy knowing Medicare and Medicaid cover 100% of hospice care benefits as well as most private insurances.
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Patients and their families that choose private payment over insurance will have all charges reviewed and agreed upon during the admission process.
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Other Services provided:
• Medical Equipment (Wheelchair, Walker, Oxygen, etc.)
• Medical Supplies (briefs, gloves, personal care)
• Medications for Symptom and Pain Management
• In-Patient and Respite Care
• Nurse/staff available 24/7/365 for phone and emergency visits
• Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy or Dietary Counseling, Gentle massage/Aromatherapy and Music Therapy (Offered in most areas)
Do I have to leave my home?
Hospice is a service, not a place, meaning you DO NOT have to leave your place of residence or relocate a loved one to a new environment. By Your Side Hospice collaborates with care staff and families to create a specific care plan to keep our patients in the comfort and security of their homes or the care facilities they reside in.
Myth: Hospice means that the patient will soon die.
Reality: Receiving hospice care doesn't mean giving up hope or that death is imminent. The earlier hospice care, the more opportunity to stabilize a patient’s health condition and address other needs.
Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.
Reality: A large number of hospice patients have congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s/dementia disease, chronic lung disease, or other conditions.
Myth: Hospice is just for the patient.
Reality: Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support. The quality of life for the patient, family members and caregivers, is the highest priority.
What happens after my loved ones passes away?
When a loved one passes away, it can be a difficult and emotional time. At BYS Hospice, our team will closely monitor any physical and cognitive changes of your loved one, and work alongside healthcare staff if they are in a facility. Our team will increase our visits to ensure that we address the clinical, spiritual, and social comfort of both your loved one and your family.
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After your loved one passes away, our registered nurse will provide the necessary support. They will contact the pre-selected funeral home and stay until the arrangements are made. Your family is welcome to stay during this time as well.
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The registered nurse will ensure that all last details are completed before leaving the home or facility. Our team will be available to provide support and comfort during this difficult time.
What is a specific eligible diagnosis?
ALS- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia
Cancer
Stroke/Coma
Heart Disease
HIV Disease
Huntington's Disease
Liver Disease
Lung Disease/COPD
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscular Dystrophy/BM
Myathenia Gravis
Parkinson's Disease
Renal Failure Chronic
and more
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