Beth Hoffmann answers your hospice questions
Q: When I make the choice to start hospice service, does my insurance company direct which hospice I use?
A: No. Patients have the right to choose their hospice provider. Physicians or other caregivers may recommend a hospice, but patient choice must be honored. When looking for a hospice provider, it's important to know all your options.
Hoffmann services
Hoffmann specializes in pain and symptom control, designing plans of care to meet the unique needs of our patients and their families. Once on Hoffmann's service, each patient is assigned his or her own interdisciplinary care team. That team develops a plan of care that includes all core services and any supplemental services the patient wishes.
A Hoffmann nurse is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your calls and questions.
Interdisciplinary teams are composed of caregivers who provide, coordinate and superivse the care and services offered by Hoffmann Hospice. The IDT is responsible for the review and update of each patient's plan of care. IDT members are:
Physicians: All hospice care is provided under the supervision of the patient's attending physician, in conjunction with a Hoffmann Hospice medical director.
Nurses: Hoffmann's nurses are responsible for direct patient care. Nurses also educate the patient's family and caregivers on proper patient care and keeps families informed of the progression of their loved one's illness.
Social Services: Social services are available to patients and families. Hoffmann social workers serve as liaisons to helpful community resources. Social workers may also provide counseling and provide assistance in resolving financial and legal issues.
Home health aides: Home health aides may make regular visits to assist patients with daily living activities like baths, shaving and bed changing. Home health aides may not give medications or change orders; however, the aide will contact the hospice nurse if emergencies or special circumstances arise. The home health aides primary responsibiity is to keep the patient and his immediate environment clean and safe.
Spiritual counselors: Hoffmann chaplains are available to counsel any patient, should they wish it. Hoffmann understands and respects the unique nature of each patient's spiritual beliefs and will be happy to contact a pastor, priest, rabbi or other spiritual counselor on your behalf.
Bereavement services: Hoffmann provides bereavement services to families for up to 13 months after the death of a loved one. We support our families through phone calls, visits and cards and offer weekly grief support groups for children and adults. Grief support meetings are open to the community.
Volunteers: Hoffmann volunteers offer care-giver relief, companionship and emotional support and may assist with errands like grocery shopping and doctor visits. Volunteers must complete Hoffmann's Volunteer Training program. Patients and families may request volunteer services through their nurse or by calling the volunteer coordinator at the nearest Hoffmann office.
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