How do I receive Hospice services?
To receive Hospice services, the patient must reside
in Daviess or Hancock Counties in Kentucky and be diagnosed with a
life-limiting illness, certified by a physician, and with
a life expectancy of six months or less. If
necessary, Hospice can
assist in finding a qualified physician.
Must I be diagnosed with cancer to receive
Hospice care?
No. Any person with a life-limiting illness and a
prognosis of six (6) months or less, if the disease
progresses as expected, may receive Hospice care.
Who works on the Hospice team?
Typically, the members of the team include a RN
Hospice coordinator or case manager, physicians,
nurses, chaplain, social worker, dietician (if
necessary), pharmacist, personal-care specialist,
bereavement coordinator, and volunteers. Patients,
families, and friends are also important members of
any Hospice team.
Where is care provided?
Hospice cares for patients in a setting that best
suits the patient and caregiver needs--the patient’s own
home, an assisted-living facility, or nursing home.
Who pays for Hospice?
Reimbursement for services typically comes from
Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Financial
support for Hospice often comes through local
fund-raisers, memorial gifts and contributions. Some funding may come
from grants, private foundations, local government,
and individual contributions.
Are Hospices only for the elderly?
No. Just as persons of all ages may face a
difficult diagnosis, persons of all ages may receive
Hospice care. Hospice and Palliative Care of the
Ohio Valley, Inc. has served patients as young as three
months, many over age 100, and those of all ages in
between.
Does Hospice care emphasize talking about death?
Not really. Hospice emphasizes living each day to
the fullest. Hospice offers
services that patients and families want and need;
we allow them to express and accept their emotions
as they desire.
What services do volunteers provide?
Volunteers may help patients and families with
chores such as cooking or running errands; but most
important, volunteers offer companionship and
support. Other volunteers help office personnel
with the day-to-day operations.
What are advance directives?
These documents allow patients to decide and
state the kind of medical treatment acceptable in
the event a patient becomes unable to communicate
those wishes.
What do Hospice patients do when unexpected
medical crisis occur?
The patient or caregiver may call Hospice’s
twenty-four (24) hour
number (270) 926-7565 so our staff can respond
immediately. In addition, Hospice staff teaches
family members in advance how to respond to
unexpected medical crises.
How can I have services explained to me or my family?
You may call the Hospice office at (270)
926-7565 and ask for the Admissions Coordinator who
will explain services over the telephone or in a
face-to-face meeting.
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