If you’re reading this, you probably already know something about hospice. Maybe you’re aware that it’s for people who have been diagnosed with 6 months or fewer to live, though care should probably start before then.
You might know that it offers comprehensive end-of-life care for both a patient and their family.
When you’re looking for a hospice provider for someone you love, though, knowing the definition of hospice may not be enough. It can be an enormous decision — on the scale of searching for a house or finding a job. You’ll want to get all the answers you can before making a choice.
But what should you ask, and what kind of response should you expect to receive? Here are a few questions and answers that may be helpful for you.
Where do I start?
Our website is a great place to find out more about the fundamentals of hospice, especially the comprehensive circle of care that we offer here at Centrica Care Navigators. If you want to talk with someone one-on-one, try calling our office at 269.345.0273. We’ll put you in touch with our admissions team. They’ll get to know you and your situation, and make sure your loved one gets appropriate care as soon as it’s possible.
Who will help me?
If you’re going to be the caregiver (or one of the caregivers) for someone, you won’t be alone. Every patient who receives Centrica Care Navigators services is assigned an interdisciplinary group (IDG), he team of professionals who help them through an often challenging and complicated process — the team that helps them navigate these new experiences.
Your IDG will talk with you throughout the caregiving process, explaining what they are doing so your loved one has the best quality of life they can. They are available to give you guidance too, on what to look for and how to best support your family member or friend.
How do I pay for this?
Centrica Care Navigators helps everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. There are several common ways that hospice care is paid. Our team can help answer any questions you have about paying for care — but we think the focus should be on making sure your loved one receives the best care available.
How long will this take?
If you’re asking how long the process is, you’re asking two questions:
· How long will it take for care to start?
The answer to this is, “Almost immediately.” When we hear about someone interested in our care, we meet them in person or give them a call as soon as we can — evenings and weekends included. There is some paperwork to complete, and information on services to share, but care begins quickly.
· How long will someone important to me be receiving care?
A Centrica Care Navigators patient receives care as long as it’s needed. Some patients are only with us for a few hours before they die, while others can live for weeks or even months after starting hospice care. Every situation is unique. Patients will receive the same quality care throughout their time in hospice, no matter how long it is.
Can my loved one get care at home?
Yes, and most patients do! Centrica Rose Arbor Place is our home for patients when complex conditions require constant care.
We partner with other facilities available for families who need them. Many patients prefer to be at home when they can, and our team visits them at their homes regularly.
What can I do to help my loved one?
You don’t have to be a medical professional to support your loved one; for many patients, a big part of hospice care is simply spending time with people they care about. Sitting and talking, watching TV together, helping them get dressed each day — these are the little things that can mean a lot to a patient.
Your Centrica Care Navigators care team will support you with ideas on how you can make your loved one’s time in hospice comfortable and caring. They are always available to answer your questions.
What happens after my loved one dies?
Care for the families of a hospice patient continues even after the patient’s death. Our grief support team hosts meetings for those who have lost someone and offers online support to people for more than a year after a death.
How can I find out more about Centrica Care Navigators?
You can learn more by exploring our website or calling Centrica Care Navigators at 269.345.0273.
