Frequently asked questions
Hospice Care is caring.
When should we start Hospice Care?
A study shows that some families are waiting too late before requesting or agreeing for Hospice Care for their loved one. Families who had undergone this life-limiting illness experience with their loved one relates that they wished they had started Hospice care sooner
As soon as terminal illness has been diagnosed and the patient wishes to have end-of-life quality thru palliative care. It is helpful to start services as soon as possible so that the patient, family and other caregivers can prepare for subsequent phases of terminal illness.
As soon as terminal illness has been diagnosed and the patient wishes to have end-of-life quality thru palliative care. It is helpful to start services as soon as possible so that the patient, family and other caregivers can prepare for subsequent phases of terminal illness.
Who can benefit from Hospice Care?
Hospice care is provided to all different types of terminal illness including, but not limited to; cancer, heart diseases, liver disease, HIV, kidney diseases, strokes, dementia, ALS. Frail elderly patients who have multiple medical problems and is getting debilitated may also be eligible.
My Mother is in the Nursing Home, is she eligible for Hospice?
YES. Hospice services are available for anyone wherever they live. However, Patients who are in the Skilled Nursing Unit that is covered by Medicare cannot start Hospice Benefits until they have been discharged from the Skilled care. Patients who live in the long term care and assisted living facilities will have Hospice care and benefits on top of the regular care they receive from the facilities
Can a Patient who lives alone be eligible to be admitted under Hospice?
YES. Patients can live alone while under Hospice care. Patient has a choice to maintain their independence. As the patient becomes weaker and is needing more assistance, we recommend to have someone with the patient continuously. Our Team members will assist the patient and family in considering other options such as hiring a caregiver, moving in with family, friends or moving to a health care facility.
Will the Hospice Team Member be available if I need them?
YES. Our team members make visits according to the needs of the patients and according to the Plan of Care. We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. During off office hours, a nurse-on-call is available to answer any questions or to make additional visit if necessary. Our chaplain and social workers are also available during off office hours.
We want to take care of my Father at Home, but what happens if we can't take care of him anymore?
Hospice Care will continue even if the patient has to move. Our Social Worker will assist you to make arrangements, such as hiring a caregiver, and, if this is not possible, we will assist in finding other options such as moving to a long term care facility or assisted living residences.
I have not taken care of anyone who is sick and dying, how can I take care of my Husband?
Most families who have been through this experience were glad that they were able to care for their loved ones specially near end of life. Our Staff will help you on anything you feel you need help on, like, how to transfer, how to give feedings, how to give medications and other personal needs. Family and caregiver education is part of the services we do to make it easier and comfortable for you to care for your loved one.
Does Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
NO. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Death is a natural process. We are there to manage pain and alleviate other symptoms
Who evaluates Hopsice to make sure Quality Care is being provided
Hospices must comply with federal regulations and undergo periodic inspection to be assured Hospices are meeting regulatory standards to maintain their Hospice Certification. At Essential Home Health, we use quality assurance and improvement tools to see and check how we are doing in relation to the Hospice Standards set by State and Federal Guidelines.
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Food Drive and Be One In a Million Hearts
Give the gift of food or toiletries
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink..."
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Give the gift of food or toiletries
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink..."
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Upcoming Events
- Jason and Gigi Mateo, principals at Essential Home Health, Inc. and the Presenting Sponsor, are both thrilled to be at the forefront of this fundraising event that will benefit three local non-profit organizations: Interfaith Hospitality Network, New Roots for Refugees and the Senior Council of the Filipino Association of Greater Kansas City. ‘ESTILO PILIPINO – A Fashion Show for a Cause’ Sunday, September 18, 2011 – 2 PM Leatherwood Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel at the Convention Center 6100 College Boulevard, Overland Park KS 66211 Tickets $25 with light hors d’oeuvres Please call Gigi at (913) 526-0106 to order tickets and Sponsorship information