Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Frank Davis
Could I refer myself to the hospice care program on my own? The short answer to that question is yes, you can self-refer yourself to hospice without going through somebody else. People often call our office to inquire about having hospice care provided for themselves, and this is not uncommon among hospice patients. Typically, hospice referrals can come from one or more of the following: the patient, their doctor, a friend or a member of their family. Whether you are searching for information about hospice services or are trying to arrange hospice care, our friendly staff is available to assist you.
In hospice care, the focus is on providing patients with pain and symptom management as well as an enhanced quality of life. In other words, care is not intended to cure, but rather to care for the patient as long as they are alive. The goal is to increase the patient’s quality of life, it aims to increase the patient’s comfort wherever possible. Hospice comes with an interdisciplinary team, the team addresses the needs of the patient on a physical, emotional, and religious level as well.
In order to get information and to be prepared for hospice from the beginning, early referral is encouraged. It is important to get education materials on hospice care and also learn more about it to prevent from having to seek hospice care at a very late stage. A number of studies have suggested that patients who receive hospice live longer than patients who do not receive hospice care.
Due to the advanced state of a terminal illness, you might not be able to visit your doctor because you are in a very serious situation. If this is the case, please contact us by calling (747) 755-5181 and we will arrange for a nurse to meet you at a time that is convenient for you. By getting in touch with us, you are taking the first step towards organizing hospice services.
How Do I Qualify for Hospice Care
- Have Medicare, Medical, or a private insurance
- Doctor must certify that you have a terminal illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less
- Must forgo curative treatment
- Must get services from a Medicare certified hospice
Hospice Care Services
At Hospice Valley, every patient is given a care plan that is individualized according to their personal preferences and needs. Each individual plan of care we suggest is tailored specifically to meet the needs of each and every one of our clients. Some of our hospice services that we offer include the following:
- Pain and symptom management
- Physician who oversees medication and services
- Coverage of medications and same day delivery
- Periodic nurse visits
- 24/7 on call nurses
- Medical Equipment such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wheelchair..
- Medical supplies such as incontinence supplies, bedpans, and gloves
- Bereavement services for both patient and family
Conclusion
To answer your question, can i refer myself to hospice? You can, indeed, refer yourself to hospice care by yourself. When you decide to refer yourself to hospice, the process begins with you enquiring about our services. Feel free to contact us any time by phone at (747) 755-5181, we will be more than happy to assist you.
