CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION
Upon a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, patients and their family members should discuss with their physicians, their choices for care. If a decision has been made to stop aggressive treatment, Hospice and the palliative care it provides, is an option. A physician must certify that the patient has a life limiting illness that meets the Hospice guidelines. A patient may remain in Hospice as long as his/her condition continues to decline, in accordance with established Hospice guidelines.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY HOSPICE CARE/LEVELS OF CARE
Most Hospice patients live at home, in an assisted living facility or in a nursing home.
Routine home Hospice care covers the services of the interdisciplinary team, medications and equipment related to the terminal illness. Other categories of care are available when needed:

      • Emotional, spiritual and physical care and support for patients and
         their family members.
      • Personal care and assistance with bathing and other activities of daily living.
      • Medical and nursing care: pain management and symptom control.
      • Respite care for caregivers.
      • Assistance with shopping and other errands for the patient.
      • Information to patients and family members regarding community
         resources available to assist them.
      • Bereavement counseling and support to family members.
      • Educating family members in regards to patient care, medications and signs
         and symptoms of end of life.

Inpatient Care
Sometimes pain or the symptoms of the terminal illness, cannot be controlled at home and the patient is taken to a hospital or other inpatient care center. When these symptoms are under control, the patient returns home. Hospice usually covers the cost of inpatient room and board for such specific stays.

Respite Care
Many patients have their own caregivers, often family members. Occasionally, it may be necessary to provide caregivers with respite time.

Continuous Care
Sometimes a patient has a medical crisis that needs continuous care. When this happens, we can arrange for inpatient care or Hospice Care of South Florida personnel to provide continuous care in the home. When the crisis is over, the patient is returned to routine home care.

THE INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM
Hospice Care includes the services of an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals who work together with the patient and immediate family members, to develop a plan of care that is appropriate for the patient. Among these team members are: