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| Most people have a lot of questions regarding hospice care. We have provided a list of the most commonly asked questions. However, if your question is not listed below, please do not hesitate to call our office. Someone is always available to give you the information you need. |
Is it O.K. to keep my own doctor?
Yes. Typically a patient’s physician plays an important role on the hospice team by helping hospice develop a plan of care that best meets his/her needs. Your doctor will also be kept informed of your condition on a regular basis Back to top.
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What if my family isn’t able to take care of me?
Typically that’s not a problem. Hospice also serves patients who do not have family members that can serve as primary caregivers. In most cases, such patients can be served in a hospice house or another extended care facility such as an assisted living facility or nursing home. Back to top.
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How can I get care at Gulfside Regional Hospice?
You, a family member or your doctor simply need to contact us. And we’ll help you take care of all the rest. Your doctor must certify that you have a life-limiting illness and may have six months or less to live if your illness takes its expected course. Back to top. |
What if I live longer than six months?
If you live longer than six months, you can still continue receiving hospice care if your doctor continues to certify that you have a life-limiting illness. In addition, if your condition improves or if the disease seems to be in remission, you can always choose to return to medical treatment. You can also return to hospice later, if you should so choose. Back to top. |
How does hospice manage pain?
We manage pain extremely well. Hospice nurses and doctors are specialists in the latest medications, medication combinations and devices for pain management and symptom relief. Because hospice physicians have had specialized training in palliative care, they often are able to prescribe medications and doses that provide more complete relief of pain and symptoms. Back to top.
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Do hospices do anything to make death come sooner?
No. Hospice has no impact on life span, but it does expand the patient’s quality of life. Back to top. |
What diagnoses are covered under hospice care?
Any patient with a life-limiting illness who has a prognosis of six months or less is eligible for hospice care Back to top.
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How often will I see my hospice team?
The plan of care developed by your physician and hospice will determine the frequency of scheduled visits from members of your hospice team. As your condition changes, so will the frequency of visits. In addition, you can always reach a hospice nurse 24/7, and emergency care and visits are provided as needed. Back to top. |
Why choose Gulfside Regional Hospice?
You have a right to choose which hospice you would like to care for you or a family member. Many members of the Pasco community choose Gulfside Regional Hospice for the following reasons:
We are the only hospice in Pasco County dedicated to serving our community exclusively.
We specialize in providing hospice services in patients’ homes, whether it is a private home, condo, apartment, nursing home or assisted living facility.
We develop individualized plans of care that best meet patients’ and their families’ needs.
We believe everyone can and should have the quality of life that they desire – right up to the very end of their life. And we often can move mountains to ensure that it is possible for all patients.
We operate separately of any hospital or home health agency. Our only goal is to enhance the quality of life for those who have life-limiting illnesses and their families.
We operate Hospice Houses that enable patients who cannot be cared for at home to receive the hospice services that they desire.
We are committed to providing professional support to anyone in our community who needs hospice services – regardless of ability to pay. This includes not only hospice care, but also grief support groups and programs for adults and children.
We are non-denominational, respecting and supporting the beliefs of all religions and cultures.Back to top.
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