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.
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.
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.
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)
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
