Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie is there for you when life expectancy is measured in months rather than years and when treatment for cure no longer seems appropriate. The decision to choose hospice is a very personal one. Though it is the individual’s choice, that choice directly involves the patient, their physician, family and loved ones who serve as caregivers. It is important that patients and families do not wait too long. Although end of life care may be difficult to discuss, now is the best time to learn more about hospice care and ask questions about what to expect.
Planning and foresight can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice care comes. If you are considering hospice but are unsure if now is the time, here are some signs you can look for to help determine if it may be time to explore the option.
- Does it seem that treatment is no longer working?
- Are you making frequent visits to the ER or hospital?
- Are symptoms, such as increased shortness of breath, fatigue, pain or nausea, worsening?
- Does your loved one seem more withdrawn? Is s/he sleeping more?
- Does s/he struggle with activities of daily living such as walking, eating, dressing, or going to the bathroom?
- Is the family or primary caregiver feeling overwhelmed?
- Are caregivers becoming isolated due to patient care?
- Do family members need emotional support to help cope with the patient’s declining status?
- Are you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted?
- Would it help to have someone to talk to?
If hospice seems like an option, Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie will be glad to schedule a free in-home evaluation to help determine if it is time for hospice care. Call us at 704-983-4216 or 800-230-4236 to ask questions or schedule a visit.
Even though curative treatments may no longer be effective, there are, from time to time, patients who do well enough to be discharged from the hospice program. For most patients, however, the real hope of hospice is the possibility of living each moment in comfort; in an environment that ensures that the patient is treated with dignity and respect. The family should experience caring and compassion.
We can help determine insurance coverage for hospice care and will explain all the varying levels of service we can provide. The referral process begins with a phone call to our office at 704-983-4216 or 800-230-4236.
Skilled care visits, medications, supplies and medical equipment related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis are generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances for patients who meet the individual plan’s eligibility criteria. Arrangements are made for patients without insurance and Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie will help families apply for Medicaid and other community resources.
There is no charge for volunteers, spiritual care, counseling or bereavement services.
We help determine insurance coverage for hospice care and explain all the varying levels of service we can provide. Simply call our billing department at 704-983-4216 or 800-230-4236 to speak with a representative regarding your individual insurance benefits.
Hospice of Stanly & the Uwharrie, unlike other hospice agencies, offers a very robust bereavement program. We follow families for a full 13 months after the death of a loved one, and we extend those services to any member of the community who has experienced a recent loss–especially young people. We are a strong nonprofit agency that has served Stanly, Montgomery and surrounding counties since 1981, and we have earned the reputation as the preferred hospice provider in our service area.