
Benefits of Earlier Admission
Hummingbird Hospice is committed to helping patients who elect and desire to receive their hospice benefit once a severe diagnosis is determined and aggressive care is no longer a quality option. ​
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The hospice benefit is not a crisis service for just the last few days of life. It is a team approach designed to care and support the patient and family, as soon as possible, during the last part of life’s journey.
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An earlier assessment and admission allow both patient and family to receive the full benefit of hospice services, to better prepare them for a peaceful transition. Additionally, when pain and other symptoms are effectively controlled, people not only feel better, they have the potential to live a better and more meaningful life.
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According to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, “The Commission has previously expressed concern about very short hospice stays. More than one-quarter of hospice decedents enroll in hospice services only in the last week of life, a length of stay which is commonly thought to be of less benefit to patients than enrolling somewhat earlier.” (MEDPAC Report, March 2016, Chap. 11)
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The benefits of choosing hospice earlier includes the following below:
For the Patient
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Compassion and dignity with an individualized comfort care plan
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Clinical excellence for pain and symptom management where you live
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Decreased stress levels to positively affect quality of life
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Comprehensive care that incorporates mind, body, and spirit
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Reduction in unnecessary re-admissions to hospital / ER visits
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Help with focusing on and developing personal goals before death
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Preparation and coordination of advance directives
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Reduced stress of traveling back and forth to hospital


For the Patient and Family
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More control of the situation
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Emotional and spiritual support for grief and counseling
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Have closure with everyone together
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Become knowledgeable and comfortable with the transition process
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Achieve peace with pending decline
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Expert assistance and time to prepare for personal and financial matters
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Save on expenses for medication, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal condition
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Better communication with healthcare team for symptom management
For the Family
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Able to observe their loved one in a more comfortable state during a difficult time
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Opportunity to improve the quality of life of their loved one, for the time that remains
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Develop relationship and receive support with a bereavement counselor or social worker earlier, during a difficult time
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Learn and receive education to assist and care for their loved one
