What is Hospice care?
Do you take care of patients who have illnesses other than cancer?
What services does Hospice provide?
What if we don’t want some of the services that you offer?
Who will be involved in my care?
When should I consider Hospice care?
Why should I receive Hospice services sooner than later?
What can you do for me that my doctor can’t?
How do I get referred to your Hospice program?
How do I get admitted to Hospice?
Are there other hospices in the area?
Why should I choose Hospice of the East Bay?
What sort of licensing does your Hospice have?
What connections does Hospice have with the local medical community?
Is Hospice affiliated with any religious group?
Can I continue to see my doctor?
Do you see patients of all ages?
What geographic area does Hospice serve?
Do I have to be at home to receive care?
Do you offer continuous care?
Do you provide any special equipment that I may need?
Who pays for Hospice care?
What if I don’t have any insurance coverage?
What if I start with your services then decide I don’t want them any more?
Does your clinical staff have special training?
Who do I call at night or on weekends if I need help?
Can I call 911 if I need assistance?
Do I need someone to be with me at all times?
How often will a nurse or doctor visit me?
What happens if I show signs of recovery?
Have you had patients for more than six months?
Does Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
What if I don’t want to die in my home?
Why would I need the services of a social worker?
What would a Spiritual Care Counselor offer to my family and me?
What if I need help bathing or dressing?
What do your volunteers do?
What assistance do you offer to my caregivers?
What does Hospice offer in the way of grief counseling and support?
What other programs does Hospice of the East Bay offer?
What is Hospice care?
Hospice care focuses on relieving physical and psychological suffering, and improving the quality of life for patients when a cure is no longer possible. The Hospice Medicare Benefit, and most private insurance companies, dictates that the primary care physician must make a good-faith judgment that the patient has six months or less to live if the illness follows its expected course. Pain control and symptom management, as well as emotional, spiritual, and practical support, are components of hospice care, which is directed by the patient’s own physician. The goal of care is to ensure that the patient is able to remain comfortable at home, in control of personal and medical choices, while family members are supported as caregivers.
Do you take care of patients who have illnesses other than cancer?
Yes. Typically, 48% of our patients have various cancer diagnoses, while 52 % have other diagnoses, including: Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Congenital Abnormalities, Liver/Kidney Failure, Heart/Lung Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Stroke/Coma, and Terminal Debility.
What services does Hospice provide?
• In-home care provided by the Hospice interdisciplinary team, directed by your physician
• Relief from pain, and management of other symptoms
• Medications and equipment related to the illness or condition
Nursing advice and visits available 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week
• Emotional support for the entire family
• Spiritual support and counseling, as requested
• Bathing and personal hygiene care
• Assistance with errands, shopping, housekeeping, etc.
• Education on how to care for the patient and on the nature and course of the illness
• Volunteer support for caregiver rest time
• Alternate levels of care, depending on your medical needs
• Grief and bereavement support
• Direct billing to Medicare, Medi-Cal and private insurance
• Help with accessing other useful community services
What if we don’t want some of the services that you offer?
We encourage you and your family members to select the services YOU feel will match your personal values and enhance your lives. You choose your care options. No service is required or “pushed” by our team members.
Who will be involved in my care?
Your personal physician, together with hospice professionals, will care for you. The hospice team includes:
• Medical Director—oversees treatment by the hospice team and coordinates your care with your own physician
• Registered Nurse Case Manager—manages your physical care and coordinates other services
• Medical Social Worker—offers emotional support, counseling, assistance with advanced planning
• Spiritual Care Coordinator—assists in identifying spiritual concerns, and offers counseling
• Certified Home Health Aide—assists with personal hygiene needs
• Pharmacist—consults with the hospice team and offers expertise
• Bereavement counselor—supports the patient and family, and continues with family members for 13 months
• Volunteers—run errands, drive to appointments, so light housekeeping and cooking, provide companionship, and offer respite time for caregivers.
When should I consider Hospice care?
If you have a terminal illness, it is appropriate to consider all of your care options, including hospice. The decision to choose hospice care belongs to you, the patient. You will receive the most benefit from hospice services if you choose to begin as soon as possible.
Why should I receive Hospice services sooner than later?
When you are ill, it is extremely reassuring to be able to consult with, and be monitored by, people who are familiar with your illness, the course it will probably take, and the ways in which you and your family will be affected. Our staff will respect you and your values while making you comfortable, easing your mind and being available at all times to answer your questions. Further, your family can be reassured, and assisted in your care as they work to cope with the significant emotional and practical effects that the illness has on them. Simply said, nothing is gained by waiting to access these valuable services.
What can you do for me that my doctor can’t?
Our staff is available around the clock to answer questions, relieve fears, and come out to the house for extra visits as needed. We also look at your overall record of medications from all sources (you may have two or three doctors prescribing for you) and refine dosages, frequency or scheduling of medications.
Your doctor can take excellent care of your medical needs. However, when you are ill and wish to remain in the comfort of your home, you need family members to care for you and they, in turn, need support to cope with their own fears and try to understand the expected course of the illness. They also need training on how to best care for you and to know when to call in the Hospice team for assistance. Finally, we offer bereavement services to you and your family. Those services continue for your family for 13 months following your death. Most families report that our services are as valuable for family caregivers as for our patients themselves.
How do I get referred to your Hospice program?
Your doctor will make the referral. You and your family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with your physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or our hospice staff. If you are uncomfortable broaching the subject with your doctor, we will do that for you. Call our office (925) 887-5678 to learn about the many services that are available, or to initiate the referral process. We are happy to consult with you at any time.
How do I get admitted to Hospice?
Once your physician has referred you to our Hospice program, an R.N. or a social worker will visit with you and your family to explain our services and assist you through admission procedures. The admission meeting will be scheduled on a date and time that is convenient for you. We are available seven days a week.
Are there other hospices in the area?
There are several hospice programs in our area and all are independently managed. Some hospice programs operate as “for profit” organizations, returning profits to their shareholders, while others operate as “not for profit,” returning any surplus funds to patient care programs. Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency. While all hospice programs specialize in care for terminally ill patients, the quality of care and extent of services can differ significantly among hospice care providers.
Why should I choose Hospice of the East Bay?
We have earned a reputation for superior professionalism and expertise over the 32 years we have served our local communities. Our hospice offers staff that is more experienced, and more innovative programs than any other hospice in the area. Over 14,500 families can attest to our ability to provide the best care while respecting the values and wishes of each family. Our medical staff employ their extensive skills, and their humanity, to make it possible for our patients to continue to take pleasure in their lives as they remain as alert and pain free as possible.
At Bruns House, our acute care facility, patients receive around the clock monitoring and medical intervention. The House features six private rooms in a comfortable, homelike setting.
What sort of licensing does your Hospice have?
We are licensed by the State of California and certified by Medicare and MediCal to provide hospice services. Further, Joint Commission, which accredits worthy healthcare agencies, has awarded gold seal accreditation to our hospice. It is important to note that not all hospices earn accreditation.
“In becoming accredited, Hospice of the East Bay was evaluated against a set of national standards by a Joint Commission surveyor (team of surveyors) experienced in the delivery of home care services,” says Maryanne Popovich, R.N., M.P.H., executive director, Home Care Accreditation Program, Joint Commission. “Achieving accreditation demonstrates Hospice of the East Bay’s commitment to providing high quality and safe care to its patients.”
What connections does Hospice have with the local medical community?
Over the years, we have earned the trust of the medical community. Our staff physicians teach in local hospitals (John Muir Health (Walnut Creek and Concord campuses), Contra Costa Regional Medical Center). Medical students from Contra Costa Regional Center, UCSF, and UC Davis complete their end-of-life rotation with us. Nursing students from Samuel Merritt, and Cal State Hayward complete their Community Health rotation with us.
Is Hospice affiliated with any religious group?
No. However, a service option includes non-denominational spiritual counseling to help you and your family members to integrate the experience of dying into your lives and to address spiritual crises as they arise. Often, patients and families become close to their spiritual counselor and request that he or she officiate at funeral or memorial services.
Can I continue to see my doctor?
Absolutely. Your primary care physician works with and directs the hospice team to provide comprehensive care for you. If you do not have a personal physician, we are able to provide one for you.
What geographic area does Hospice serve?
The adult programs serve patients in Central, Eastern, and Southern Contra Costa County as well as in the Livermore/Pleasanton area.
Do I have to be at home to receive care?
No. “Home” may be your own residence, that of a friend or relative, or an assisted living, residential care, or skilled nursing facility, or our Bruns House inpatient hospice home. We work to accommodate your needs, wherever you live, whatever your circumstances.
Do you offer continuous care?
Yes. We provide continuous care a minimum of eight hours a day for patients who have developed acute medical symptoms and require more extensive care. Continuous Care is primarily, but not exclusively, nursing care. You and your nurse will determine, with your doctor, if such care is appropriate.
Do you provide any special equipment that I may need?
Yes. We will provide all necessary equipment and supplies related to your illness, including such items as a hospital bed, commode, or wheelchair. We try to maintain as normal an environment as possible and keep you safe and comfortable at the same time.
Who pays for Hospice care?
Hospice care is a covered benefit under most private insurance plans, including HMOs and managed care organizations. To be sure, families should check with their employer or health insurance provider. In addition, hospice is a covered under the Medicare or Medi-Cal Hospice Benefit. We bill any available insurance source, relieving you from the need to complete paperwork and follow up on any issues that may arise with your insurer.
What if I don’t have any insurance coverage?
The Hospice Foundation of the East Bay raises funds to pay for the cost of care (including medications and equipment related to the illness) for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. We never turn away a medically qualified patient for lack of insurance.
What if I start with your services then decide I don’t want them any more?
You have the right to discontinue our services at any time. It is a simple process and can be completed immediately upon your request. You will need to sign the Revocation Form, which is located in your admission packet.
Does your clinical staff have special training?
Yes. Our nurses and physicians are up to date on the latest methods of treating pain and other symptoms. They undergo rigorous training and attend regular in-service meetings to maintain their skills.
Who do I call at night or on weekends if I need help?
On-call nursing consultation is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The on-call nurse will answer any questions that you or your caregiver may have. If an additional visit is necessary to adjust pain medications, for example, the on-call nurse will arrange for an immediate visit by a registered nurse. You will find this service to be essential for allaying fears and getting answers to your questions at any time of the day or night.
Can I call 911 if I need assistance?
No. If you need any type of assistance, you must call us. Failure to do so may result in disenrollment from hospice care. This is a federal regulation. If you do call 911, you may be responsible for any ambulance and/or emergency room bills.
Do I need someone to be with me at all times?
If you have begun hospice care early in the course of your illness, it is usually not necessary for someone to be present all the time. As the disease progresses, it becomes more important to have someone with you to ensure that you are comfortable and safe. Trained volunteers are available to help with chores and provide respite time for caregivers so that they may take a break to relax, run errands, etc. Volunteers are there to supplement and relieve your caregivers, not replace them. If you find that you need more assistance than your family caregivers can provide, in-home supportive care agencies are available on a fee-for-service basis.
How often will a nurse or doctor visit me?
You, your family members, our team members, and your primary care physician will determine how many visits are appropriate. Typically, early in the course of your illness, your nurse will visit two to three times each week. If symptoms increase, or as the end of life nears, more visits are necessary. Of course, if your condition improves, you will require fewer visits.
What happens if I show signs of recovery?
If your condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, you can be discharged from Hospice. If you should later need to return for hospice services, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for that purpose.
Have you had patients for more than six months?
Yes. Your doctor will make a good-faith estimate of your life expectancy, which must be less than six months for you to be admitted to Hospice. That estimate is based on the disease following an expected course. It may be that you will do better than expected, in which case your care will be extended.
Does Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
Our team members do nothing to either speed up or slow the process of dying. We do work to lend support and comfort through our areas of expertise as the end of life nears. For example, it is common for patients and families to struggle with administering pain medications, knowing that these medicines are often sedating. We understand such dilemmas and are there to guide and support you and your family on important choices.
Why would I need the services of a social worker?
Our social workers, who are familiar with the medical system, are able to evaluate the emotional and social needs of families and offer effective, consistent support during the course of the illness. They facilitate communication within the family, help to resolve conflicts, educate the family on realistic expectations about the illness, assist with healthcare and personal choices that must be made, and support family members in caregiver roles. Further, they help with legal preparations such as Advance Health Care Directives, Do Not Resuscitate orders, Financial Power of Attorney forms, and much more. They are also able to assist with funeral planning and accessing other useful community resources. Our patients find the services of the social workers to be essential for peace of mind and family communication.
What would a Spiritual Care Counselor offer to my family and me?
When confronted by a serious illness, we come face to face with our human limitations and mortality. Often, patients find comfort in speaking with a spiritual care counselor. Our non-denominational counselors are available to help you and your family deal with spiritual challenges brought on by your illness, and to find meaning and purpose you continue the life you are living now. You may request that your spiritual care counselor officiate at any funeral rites that you choose. Your wishes dictate which spiritual support services you will receive.
What if I need help bathing or dressing?
Specially trained Home Health Aides are available to assist with bathing, dressing, oral care and many other activities. They are a part of your care team. Your hospice nurse will arrange for Home Health Aide services.
What do hospice volunteers do?
Our volunteers will come to your home to provide rest time to caregiver(s), offer companionship for you, and assist with driving to medical appointments, running errands, and doing light housekeeping or cooking. Specialized volunteers are available to help with hairdressing, massage therapy, bookkeeping, recording family histories, doing handyman chores, etc. Volunteers offer much-needed assistance to you and your family members by helping with some tasks you may be unable to do yourselves, and by helping maintain a sense of normalcy in your lives.
What assistance do you offer to my caregivers?
Caregivers are in a position to give the gift of home and their loving care to you. That can often be a frightening and exhausting gift to give. In order to confidently care for you, caregivers need training and consistent support from us. It is our job to teach them to recognize changes in your condition, and to know when to call us for assistance, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (by phone or with a visit from your nurse). Each visit from a member of our care team represents an opportunity to listen to the needs of caregivers as well as patients, and to adjust services accordingly.
What does Hospice offer in the way of grief counseling and support?
Our Center for Grief and Loss offers individual and group support to family members for more than a year after the death of their loved one. Our grief support classes are also open to the community. Children who have lost a parent, grandparent, or sibling can receive support through our Footsteps® program. All of these offerings are based in the knowledge that the period of grieving is both intensely painful and individual. Because it is also in some ways predictable, our grief counselors have learned much that can be helpful to bereaved family members trying to work through their loss. For more information, please call The Center for Grief and Loss at (925) 887-5678.
What other programs does Hospice of the East Bay offer?
Comfort for Kids offers emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill children and their families and to children of adult hospice patients.
Taylor's Wish provides for special needs of children with life limiting illnesses and those who have a parent in the adult hospice program. The children may receive, for example, birthday and holiday gifts, an opportunity to attend a favorite sporting event, or a camp scholarship. In addition, gift cards to purchase such essentials as clothing and food are given to families in need. For more information, click here.
Footsteps is a program of grief support for children and teens who have lost a loved one. It is open to all children in the community. For more information, please call (925) 887-5681, or click here