FAQ - Hospice Perspective Medicale



	Is hospice care like home care? Is hospice care just for cancer patients? Who is eligible? Should I wait for my physician to suggest hospice care? What if our physician doesn't know about hospice care? Do I have to change doctors? How is a patient admitted to Hospice Perspective Medicale? How is care provided? Is the home the only place hospice care is delivered? Who pays for hospice? What are the qualifications of the Hospice Perspective Medicale staff? Will I become addicted to pain medications? Will medications prevent me from being able to talk or know what's happening? If a patient shows signs of recovery, what happens? What happens if I no longer want to benefit from HPM services? Does HPM provide help to the family after the patient dies?
to top		Is hospice care like home care?

	Hospice care is appropriate only for those with limited life expectancy, and is specialized in controlling the pain and symptoms unique to life-threatening illnesses. Moreover, hospice considers the entire family, not just the patient as the ‘unit of care.’ A patient in need of hospice care may be treated at home and/or in a Respite Care Clinic. At present, Hospice Perspective Medicale can only offer home care.
to top		Is hospice care just for cancer patients?

	No, hospice care is appropriate for anyone facing a limited life expectancy.
to top		Who is eligible?

	Any patient who has a prognosis of six months or less IF the disease runs its normal course, and the physician confirms that prognosis. The patient, patient's family and the physician agree upon a non- aggressive, comfort-oriented treatment as focus of care. It is not mandatory that a patient have a primary caregiver, but this factor is taken into consideration at time of admission.
to top		Should I wait for my physician to suggest hospice care?

	It is best to have an open dialogue with your physician. If you think you or a loved one needs hospice care, do not wait for your physician to address the topic. Raise your concerns as soon as possible.
to top		What if our physician doesn't know about hospice care?

	Many physicians know about hospice or palliative care. If your physician wants more information, it is available from The Romanian Cancer Association, The Oncology Clinic, and The National Association of Palliative Care Romania.
to top		Do I have to change doctors?

	No. Hospice Perspective Medicale communicates regularly with your physician to develop a plan of care.
to top		How is a patient admitted to Hospice Perspective Medicale?

	The admission contact may come from the patient's physician, the patient, the patient's family or friend. A nurse will visit the patient and family. The admission is also reviewed by our medical director. The patient will be asked to sign consent.
to top		How is care provided?

	We prepare an individualised care plan that will address the patient's care needs. The hospice staff works with the patient and caregiver, educating them about the illness, answering questions and providing support. Nurses, nurse's aides, therapists and volunteers visit regularly. The frequency is determined by the care plan, which is updated as needed. Supportive services are also available on an ‘as needed’ basis. We also provide medical supplies and equipment, and additional helpers in the home, as appropriate.
to top		Is the home the only place hospice care is delivered?

	For the time being, yes. Among our future projects there are building a Day Care Center and a Respite Care Clinic.
to top		Who pays for hospice?

	Care and services are paid exclusively from donations from individuals, churches, civic groups, and foundations. Each assisted family is encouraged to contribute with donations, according to their financial possibilities.
to top		What are the qualifications of the Hospice Perspective Medicale staff?

	The HPM team of professionals includes a medical director who is a physician trained in palliative care, registered nurses, a social worker, certified nurses' aides and trained volunteers.
to top		Will I become addicted to pain medications?

	Pain relievers in the amount that is needed for the pain, regardless of the amount, will not result in addiction.
to top		Will medications prevent me from being able to talk or know what's happening?

	The goal of hospice is to enhance the quality of the patient's life, and that means keeping patients comfortable and as alert as they desire.
to top		If a patient shows signs of recovery, what happens?

	If a person's illness goes into remission and improvement is apparent, he or she can be discharged from hospice. If the condition worsens after being discharged, the patient will be re-admitted into our care.
to top		What happens if I no longer want to benefit from HPM services?

	A patient may elect to be discharged from hospice at any time.
to top		Does HPM provide help to the family after the patient dies?

	Our team provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for thirteen months following the death of a loved one.



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