The hospice admission process can be difficult and emotional for patients and their loved ones. Understanding the steps involved and what to expect can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty of this process.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the hospice admission process, provide an overview of what to expect, and offer some tips to help make the process smoother for everyone involved.
The Hospice Admission Process: Explained
From determining eligibility to getting your loved one to start receiving care, the hospice admission process can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. At West Michigan Hospice, we aim to make this journey as stress-free as possible.
While every patient is unique and will have their own process, here is a general explanation of what you can expect the hospice admission process to look like.
1. Making the Call
Generally, the hospice admission process starts with a phone call from the patient, their family members, or their healthcare provider. We always recommend reaching out for assistance sooner rather than later, so please call us anytime you start thinking about hospice for your loved one.
After you contact us, we’ll talk over the phone to establish what you’re struggling with, what some of your goals are, and more. This conversation aims to establish if your loved one could be a good candidate for hospice care.
2. Home Visit & Assessment
After we had a discussion over the phone and it’s established that we think your loved one may be a fit for hospice, one of our admission nurses will come and do a home visit. This visit is very non-committal, and it doesn’t mean that you’re definitely opting for hospice services.
During this home visit, our staff will request medical records, perform a clinical assessment, and further discuss your goals and challenges. Afterward, if we decide that your loved one would benefit from our hospice services, we can begin admissions right then and there, or you can contact us anytime to get started that’s convenient.
3. Personalized Care Plan
If the patient is deemed eligible for hospice care, our team of professionals will work with the patient and their family to create a personalized care plan that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The care plan will include a list of services and treatments that will be provided and information on how to access these services.
4. Admittance to Hospice Care
Once the care plan has been established, the patient will be admitted to hospice care in a facility or at their own home. During this time, the hospice team will provide ongoing support and care to the patient and their loved ones. This may include regular visits from nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals and access to medical equipment and supplies as needed.
Your Loved One and the Hospice Admission Process
It’s important to note that the hospice admission process can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and the hospice provider’s specific requirements. If you or a loved one are considering hospice care, it’s a good idea to speak with a hospice representative to learn more about the specific steps involved in the admission process.
You can watch this informational video from Aaron Leestma, the founder of West Michigan Hospice, to get a glimpse of what it’s like to work with us.
West Michigan Hospice Is Here for You
At West Michigan Hospice, we understand that guiding a family member or loved one through the end-of-life journey can be a challenging task. However, our experienced team is here to offer support and assistance every step of the way.
Our team consists of skilled experts who have extensive experience caring for patients in various stages of various conditions. Regardless of the level of care required, you can rest assured that your loved one will receive exceptional medical care and emotional support. To learn more about how we can assist you and your family and if you would be a good fit for hospice care services, please contact us via phone or online today.