When someone is near the end of life, breathing may become slower, faster, irregular, noisy, shallow, or include pauses. These changes can be upsetting for loved ones to witness. Bristol Hospice explains what families may notice, what not to assume, and when to contact the hospice team for guidance.
World-Class Hospice Care
Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury, hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient’s loved ones as well.
At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
Hospice focuses on caring, not curing and in most cases care is provided in the patient’s home. Hospice care also is provided in freestanding hospice centers, hospitals, and nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations.
Typically, a family member serves as the primary caregiver and, when appropriate, helps make decisions for the terminally ill individual. Members of the Bristol Hospice team make regular visits to assess the patient and provide additional care or other services. Hospice staff is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Hospice may be reimbursed by the following (if hospice criteria are met)
- Medicare Part A (as per Medicare guidelines)
- Medicaid (as specified by the State)
- Third Party Insurance (as specified by the individual’s insurance policy)
What makes Bristol Hospice's care unique?
Hospice care centers around the patient and family. The goal of the professionals at Bristol Hospice is to empower you to make your own choices regarding care and assistance. The team serves as your advocate, helping you to access the information and resources you need during this very challenging time.
In addition to providing the care directly, hospice team members serve as teachers, enabling the family to care for their loved one in their setting of choice.
Bristol Hospice recognizes that the family and caregivers need an extra measure of support both during and after their experience of caring for a loved one in transition.
The employees of Bristol Hospice are dedicated to the premise that “every patient matters to the last moment of their life.”
The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each patient’s individual needs for pain management and symptom control. The team usually consists of:
- The patient’s personal physician
- Hospice physician (or medical director)
- Nurses
- Home health aides
- Social workers
- Clergy or other counselors
- Trained volunteers
- Speech, physical, and occupational therapists, if needed.
What services are provided?
- Pain and Symptom Management
- Counseling and Supportive Services
- Spiritual Counseling
- Therapy Services
- Personal Care/Home Health Aide Services
- Volunteer Services
- Supplies, Medication and Durable Medical
- Equipment Related to the Life-Limiting Illness
- Continuous Care
- Inpatient Services
- Respite Care Services
- Sweet Dreams Program
- Bright Moments Program
