Hospice is a scary word for many families because they understand what it implies: that their loved one is dying. True, it is recommended for those who are critically ill or have an incurable disease, for whom all other medical approaches have been exhausted, and life expectancy is six months or less. However, hospice has many positives to it, too. With a focus on improving an individual’s quality of life and comfort, hospice care professionals help patients control their pain and symptoms whether they are physical, emotional or spiritual.

Who is Part of a Hospice Team?

Hospice care involves an interdisciplinary group of professionals whose goal is to provide comfort, whether it is through medical attention, emotional comfort, nutrition or companionship. A hospice team typically includes the following members:

  • Physician
  • Registered nurse
  • Licensed vocational nurse
  • Certified hospice aides
  • Physical therapist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Speech therapist
  • Social worker
  • Clergy
  • Bereavement counselor
  • Dietician
  • Volunteers

A hospice team may also include a pharmacist and other professionals who may be helpful to ease physical or emotional pain. In most cases, a hospice nurse and physician will be on call round the clock to address any emergencies or answer any questions the patient or family members may have.

Luxe Hospice Brings Families Together

At Luxe Hospice, we create a personalized plan of care for each patient. We understand that everyone has their own unique situation. Our client Rosa is typical of many clients we have who initially misunderstood what hospice is all about. She has terminal liver cancer. Rosa’s family is extremely close. She lives in the same house as her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. The thought of being in the hospital for any length of time was distressing for everyone involved. When Rosa’s doctor first suggested hospice, she railed against it, believing it meant being transferred to a nursing facility. When she found that the services could be provided to her at home, she saw hospice as a positive alternative. Our team of professionals has designed a plan to manage her pain while allowing her to experience the joy her family and friends bring to her.

We have found that when patients are comforted, and their pain and other needs are addressed, they can think more clearly, enjoy time with family and friends, and focus on what is important to them—and not their pain or discomfort.

Do You Qualify for Hospice?

To cut down on fraudulent claims and to make sure that those in need of services have coverage, Medicare has guidelines as to who qualifies for hospice care. To apply for hospice coverage, the individual:

  • Must be certified terminally ill by a physician in writing and have a life expectancy of fewer than six months.
  • Cannot have previously received hospice pre-election services such as pain management or counseling about other care options.
  • Cannot have previously made a hospice election to accept hospice care coverage in place of standard hospitalization, covered under Part A.
  • Must receive care from a Medicare-approved hospice.

The hospice process begins when a physician certifies a patient is terminally ill with less than six months to live. The doctor can ask for up to two 90-day periods of care, followed by an unlimited number of 60-day periods. At the start of each period, the doctor must recertify the patient is terminally ill.

Luxe is a Medicare-certified hospice agency. We come to wherever our patient calls home, whether it is a house, apartment or senior care residence. Our focus is on the entire family because we know full well that everyone is touched when a loved one is nearing the end of their life.

Contact Luxe today to find out how we can help your family member have a better appreciation of the joy that life has to offer without having to focus their remaining energy on their pain. We will do our best to answer your questions promptly and to direct the family to any resources we believe will help.

Luxe Hospice can be reached at (310) 459-2040, info@LuxeHC.com or visit our website at Luxehospice.com. We offer hospice services for many areas in Southern California including Bel Air, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Long Beach, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Newport Beach, Riverside and Santa Monica.

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What is Hospice Care? Do I Qualify?
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With a focus on improving an individual’s quality of life and comfort, Luxe hospice care professionals help patients control their pain and symptoms whether they are physical, emotional or spiritual.
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