Who is eligible?
How will hospice help?
What does hospice cost?
Where can I get care?
When is it time for hospice?
Why choose OnCare?
Hospice Care
Who is eligible?
Hospice care is for people who:
- Have a serious illness that cannot be cured
- Are expected to live six months or less
- Are seeking comfort, not a cure for their illness
Hospice eligibility is determined after a thorough review of the individual’s medical history. Medicare and other insurance companies have guidelines that our clinical team looks for when assessing eligibility.
How will hospice help?
When an individual is on hospice, they have a team of individuals to help manage their symptoms and provide support. Each discipline provides routine visits at a frequency discussed between them and the patient/family.
The hospice team includes:
- Nurse – Provides overall management of patient needs. Helps manage symptoms and coordinates with other members of the team to ensure patient comfort. Is the eyes and ears of the physician.
- Aide – Assists with bathing, provides companionship and provides light housekeeping as needed.
- Social Worker – Provides emotional support and assistance with resources, final arrangements and advance directives.
- Spiritual Counselor – Provides spiritual support and collaborates with spiritual leaders already supporting the patient. Helps with final arrangements.
- Hospice Medical Director – Oversees all medical aspects of the hospice program. May act as primary physician based on patient and family preference.
- Primary Physician – Oversees patient plan of care. Community physicians may defer to Hospice Medical Director for medical management of patient’s condition.
- Complementary Therapists – Provides additional support and comfort. OnCare Hospice currently provides Music Therapy and Pet Therapy.
- Bereavement Counselor – Provides grief support to patients, their families and community members.
- Registered Dietitian, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy – Available to provide additional teaching if indicated by patient goals and plan of care.
Hospice provides durable medical equipment (DME), supplies and medications related to the patient’s primary hospice diagnosis. DME encompasses items such as a hospital bed, wheelchair, oxygen, bedside commode and shower chair. Frequently provided supplies include incontinence products, disposable wipes, disposable bed protectors, creams and shower supplies.
What does hospice cost?
Hospice care is typically paid for by Medicare, Medicaid and most health insurance plans. Other options for payment include Veteran’s benefits and self-pay. Our team will verify your insurance coverage and review the hospice benefit details with you.
While you are on hospice, you keep your existing health insurance. Your policies will continue to cover certain health services, treatments, and medicines that are medically necessary, but are not related to your terminal illness.
Where can I get care?
Hospice care is provided wherever the individual calls home. We provide care in private homes, senior living communities (independent, assisted living , and memory support), and nursing homes. In some circumstances, care may be provided in locations outside of those listed above.
OnCare Hospice provides care in the following counties:
Nebraska: Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, Washington, Cass, Saunders, and Otoe
Arizona: Maricopa
When is it time for hospice?
Treatment is no longer working and/or aggressive intervention is no longer desired
Individuals with a terminal illness whose goals include comfort, time with loved ones, and improved quality of life, may be ready to consider hospice. Hospice care focuses on symptom relief rather than curing the illness.
Symptoms are getting harder to manage
If there is an increase in pain or other difficult symptoms such as restlessness, nausea, confusion, trouble swallowing, or pressure ulcers that don’t improve with treatment, hospice care may help improve quality of life.
Visits and phone calls to the doctor or hospital are becoming more frequent
Frequent doctor’s visits and hospitalizations for falls, infections and symptom management, in the last six months can be a sign of declining health.
Weight loss or change in appetite
Reduced appetite and unexplained weight loss can be signs the body is slowing down or isn’t digesting food properly. Weight loss or change in appetite is not always obvious, signs of either can include ill-fitting clothing or dentures, difficulty swallowing, and/or a change in grocery purchasing habits.
Increased need for assistance for daily tasks and personal care
Needing assistance from another person in preparing meals, getting dressed, showering, performing hygiene tasks, and going to the bathroom can be an indication of physical or cognitive decline.
There have been noticeable changes in routines and behavior
An increased amount of time spent sleeping or difficulty sleeping, reduced activity engagement, changes in mental clarity, and withdrawing from normal routines and relationships can be indications of declining health.
One of the most important support systems a person can have at the end of life is their family and friends. If caregivers are feeling unable to manage the individual’s care in a way that gives them comfort and quality of life, hospice can help. Hospice care is designed to support everyone involved in a patient’s life, not just the person with the terminal diagnosis.
You do not need a referral from your doctor to call OnCare and ask about hospice for you or a loved one. We are here to answer your questions.
Why choose OnCare?
At OnCare, our Ethos and Core Values are at the center of everything we do. We provide:
Patient-Centered Care
- The patient’s needs, desires, and values drive our care. We take time to understand what matters most to each person and their loved ones.
- The patient and their family are in control. We adapt our services to align with their wishes, ensuring quality time is spent where it matters most.
Expert Medical Directors
- Our medical directors are certified hospice and palliative care specialists with expertise in symptom management.
- They provide unparalleled guidance and leadership to ensure the highest quality care for our patients.
After Hours Support
Your needs don’t adhere to regular business hours. Our local nurses are available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance and support. Help is just a phone call away, any time, day or night.
Holistic and Alternative Care
- We believe in holistic well-being. Our dedicated music therapists use the power of music to aid in symptom management and improving quality of life.
- Alternative therapies, such as music therapy, complement traditional medical care, promoting overall comfort and serenity.
Solace Sessions by OnCare
- Experience customized personal care, grooming, and spa sessions through our Solace Sessions program.
- Designed exclusively for hospice patients, these sessions enhance comfort and promote relaxation.
Professional Grief Support
Grieving is a natural part of the journey. Our bereavement team is here to help you and your family cope with loss.
Senior Living Community Partnerships
- We value our partnerships with senior living communities. We engage in education, events, wellness programs, vitals clinics, and competency fairs.
- Our collaboration enriches the lives of residents and supports their overall well-being.
How do I start hospice care?
Anyone can refer a person to OnCare Hospice for services. If you or someone you love needs our care and support, start the conversation today.