Hospice is not a place. It is a philosophy of care that recognizes dying is not just a medical event, but a personal one as well. The focus is on maintaining quality of life when curative measures are no longer viable. Hospice is considered the model for quality compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness.

Hospice will help you and your family make choices about end-of-life issues and enable you to have greater control over these choices.

Pain and symptom management will allow you to live as fully and comfortably as possible.

Hospice emphasizes quality, rather than length of life. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. It affirms life and regards dying as a normal process.

Your Physician

• Coordinates care with the hospice team
• May refer to the hospice medical director for medical management

Hospice Medical Director

• Assists other team members in coordinating the plan of care
• Consults with your physician on medical treatment issues
• May act as your primary physician when needed
• Makes home visits

Nurse Practitioner

• Assists other team members in coordinating the plan of care
• Consults with your physician on medical treatment issues
• Makes home visits

Registered Nurse

• Provides ongoing assessments, direct care, education and support to the patient and family
• Develops and implements the plan of care
• Ensures pain and other symptoms are managed

Social Worker

• Helps you and your caregiver identify and discuss concerns related to your illness
• Provides counseling an emotional support as requested
• Identifies and investigates available community resources to meet your needs

Spiritual Counselor

• Assists in any spiritual or end-of-life concerns
• Assists in contacting patient clergy
• Coordinates or provides spiritual counseling

Hospice Aide

• Provides patient’s personal care
• Assists in providing support and education regarding caregiving techniques

Dietitian

• Provides dietary counseling related to changes in appetite or menu needs

Volunteers

• Trained hospice volunteers provide support, companionship and respite services for patients and families

Bereavement Coordinator

• Provides or coordinates bereavement counseling and support to family members

Hospice care is provided in a patient’s home or wherever a patient calls “home” such skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities and assisted living centers. Hospice understands that being able to remain in one’s familiar surroundings helps patients and their families/caregivers maintain their freedom and independence and protects against loneliness and isolation.

Most health insurance plans offer some type of hospice care benefit. Medicare Part A, Medicare HMO, Unrestricted MediCal, and most private insurances cover hospice services.

Kaweah Delta Hospice bills the patient’s insurance carrier directly for hospice services including:

• Visits by the hospice team
• Medications related to the hospice diagnosis
• Medical equipment and medical supplies
• Bereavement services
• Dietary counseling
• Physical, Speech & Occupational Therapy when appropriate

Please call us...sooner, rather than later. Calling is not a commitment, but an opportunity to learn more about the benefits of Kaweah Delta Hospice and how we may be able to help you or your loved one. We can provide information over the phone and/or come to your home to provide an assessment and answer your questions.

Contact Information:

Kaweah Delta Hospice

623 W. Willow St.

Visalia, CA 93291

(559) 733-0642

Kaweah Delta Hospice is Recognized as a We Honor Veterans Level Three Partner

To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, Kaweah Delta Hospice has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans. As a partner, Kaweah Delta Hospice is committed to honoring Veterans at the end of life and ensuring Veterans have access to quality end-of-life care.

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization www.nhpco.org

Coalition for Compassionate Care coalitionccc.org

A form to give specific direction to physicians, family and caregivers about medical care preferences when one cannot speak for him or herself.

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