What kind of services provided by Ambercity Hospice, Inc.?
We provide compassionate care and support for people entering the final stages of their lives as well as their families in their time of needs. Our service focuses on comfort, not on curing an illness. We work through team-based approach and our hospice care includes routine visits from doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, counselors, and volunteers to the patient’s residence. However, this service does not replace the role of the patient’s primary care-giver, but aims to control pain and to address physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the patient.
Who is eligible for Hospice service?
Anyone with terminal illness who has decided to forgo curative treatment or medication aimed at prolonging one’s life. There is no age restriction as anyone in the late stages of life is eligible for hospice services. Our team will provide pain-relieving medication to ease symptoms of a terminal illness as well as attention and support needed by patient.
Is it true that hospice makes death comes sooner?
Hospice neither hastens nor postpones dying. The aim is to provide comfort and improve the quality of patient’s remaining life so he/she can enjoy time with family and friends at home or home-like environment.
How to ensure that the hospice service is what the patient needs?
Our clinical team led by doctor will develop a care plan tailored to the condition and need of each patient. The plan will be communicated to the family members and/or care-giver to ensure the smooth and optimal coordination of care.
Can the patient return to curative/regular medical treatment when they show signs of recovery?
Yes, if a patient’s condition improves, they can be discharged and return to curative treatment, or resume their daily lives.
What does it cost?
Medicare/Medicaid or your private insurance will pay for your hospice care. If you have questions or unsure about the coverage of your Medicare/Medicaid, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Is this hospice program JCAHO/Medicare certified?
Yes, we are certified by both JCAHO and Medicare to provide hospice and palliative care. All our team members are licensed professionals with a satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
FACTS
“Over the last 25 years, the number of Americans turning to hospice for end-of-life care has climbed dramatically – from 25,000 in 1982 to 1.45 million in 2008, as more and more people choose to spend their final days in the comfort of home or a patient facility with a home-like environment rather than in a hospital pursuing aggressive treatments” (Los Angeles Times – January 22, 2010).
“Hospice affirms life and neither hastens nor postpones death” (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)
| Some Differences Between Palliative Care and Hospice | ||
| PALLIATIVE CARE | HOSPICE | |
| Who can be treated? | Anyone with a serious illness | Anyone with a serious illness whom doctors think has only a short time to live, often less than 6 months |
| Will my symptoms be relieved? | Yes, as much as possible | Yes, as much as possible |
| Can I continue to receive treatment to cure my illness? | Yes, if you wish | No, only symptom relief will be provided |
| Will Medicare pay? | It depends on your benefits and treatment plan | Yes, it pays all hospice charges |
| Does private insurance pay? | It depends on the plan | It depends on the plan |
| How long will I be cared for? | This depends on what care you need and your insurance plan | As long as you meet the hospice’s criteria of an illness with a life expectancy of months, not years |
| Where will I receive this care? |
|
|
| Source: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization | ||
