In a world where medical treatment may not be able to reverse the course of a disease, the value of life still deserves to be carefully cherished. Hospice care is not just about a medical facility, it represents a specialized care model: focusing on relieving symptoms and maintaining the quality of life in the final stages of illness, accompanying patients and their families through the last journey of life with peace.
Carrie Huang, the PR representative of Suncrest Hospice, succinctly described, “Hospice care is about reducing the patient’s suffering and minimizing the regrets of the family.”
The hospice care team delves into the daily care of patients: managing high fever, pain, shortness of breath, nausea, constipation, and skin care, while also addressing emotional fluctuations and spiritual needs.
Physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains form the IDT team, reviewing each case weekly and providing a 24-hour hotline for assessments and interventions at home when necessary.
Suncrest Hospice tailors its services to each case, offering up to 5 home visits per week for personal care assistance (such as bathing and grooming), providing medical equipment (electric beds, wheelchairs, oxygen machines, etc.), and necessary medications and disposable supplies. After the patient’s passing, other specialized organizations legally offer up to 13 months of bereavement care to make the farewell journey more complete.
“We are like the ‘911 for symptom control’. If there are any changes, call the hotline first. Nurses will assess if the issue can be handled at home, and if necessary, arrange for hospital visits, reducing both distress for the patient and panic for the family,” Huang said.
– Faster response, earlier peace of mind: In addition to primary nurses, support nurses are available for immediate assistance. For night and weekend emergencies, the “receive and go” process is initiated to ensure no delays for the patient.
– Higher caregiver density, more stable daily support: Depending on the needs, up to 5 home visits per week are provided to ensure uninterrupted daily care like bathing, turning, and skin protection.
– Willingness to take on challenging cases, never backing down from care: Accepting complex wound care and high-intensity care cases, the focus is on the appropriateness for each case rather than the ease of admission.
– Local deployment, shorter distances: With locations strategically set in the Bay Area, personnel and equipment are dispatched nearby; weekly IDT meetings are synchronized with real-time systems for seamless coordination with facility staff and family physicians.
– Clear communication, decisive decision-making: Upholding the principle of “being upfront”, all aspects such as home or facility care, bed availability, language resources, and care approach are clearly discussed to reduce the additional stress on the family in uncertain situations.
– Experience and scale, more flexible scheduling: With over ten years of presence in the Bay Area, Suncrest Hospice has established itself as a leading provider with rapid deployment of equipment, medications, and personnel for added assurance.
Most hospice care takes place at home. If there is a lack of manpower or suitable environment at home, patients can be transferred to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) or other 24-hour care units. The medical component of hospice care is typically covered by insurance.
It should be noted that SNF beds are classified as accommodation costs: those with Medi-Cal (Medicaid) coverage are often eligible for coverage; otherwise, self-payment is usually required. Taking into account language services, distance, bed availability, and limited personnel, it is essential to fully understand the information before making a decision.
Hospice care is not about giving up, but about making more suitable arrangements during the time when prioritizing relief becomes necessary.
– Not limited to cancer – commonly includes late-stage heart disease, lung disease, dementia, kidney disease, severe disability after a stroke, ALS, etc.
– Not limited to six months – as long as eligibility criteria are met, services can be continued; patients can “graduate” if their condition stabilizes, with the option to reassess for readmission if the condition deteriorates.
– Unsure about eligibility – it is recommended to contact a family physician or hospice care organization for evaluation.
– Medicare and Medicaid coverage: Hospice care is often fully covered, while SNF bed fees are typically covered by Medicaid.
– Commercial insurance (such as Kaiser, Blue Shield): Coverage varies based on the policy.
– Charitable mechanisms: Some organizations offer free services to uninsured individuals who meet certain criteria. Additionally, hospice care does not necessarily mean discontinuation of existing chronic disease medications; adjustments are made based on the medical team’s recommendation.
– Hospital/SNF referral process: Referral from the facility → evaluation → signing of consent form → activation upon discharge or continual stay.
– Home-based care (physician referral): Home assessment → signing of consent form → immediate start or based on the family’s preferred time.
– Home-based care (self-inquiry): Preliminary assessment; if not currently eligible, continuous monitoring is conducted, and once qualified, a referral from the medical unit is issued along with medical records for initiation of care.
In case of sudden emergencies, contact the hospice 24-hour hotline first for the possibility of managing the situation at home stably, reducing the need for frantic rushes and shocks.
1. Can care be provided at home?
If the care and environment are suitable, being at home often provides more peace of mind; if institutional care is required, it is essential to understand the “one-to-many” care model and the supply-demand dynamics of bed availability.
2. Will it affect the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) hours?
It will not. Hospice care falls under medical services and does not replace IHSS support for household tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, and laundry.
3. Can existing medications and treatments continue?
Most chronic medications can still be used; in case of emergencies, an initial assessment will be conducted by the hospice care organization, and hospital transfer will be arranged if necessary. If the patient wishes to resume active treatment, they can exit hospice care and make the necessary arrangements.
“Let’s not complicate the notion of hospice care,” Huang emphasized. It is about helping a family seize every controllable moment: ensuring the patient’s comfort while providing peace of mind to the family.
By early awareness and assessment, bidding farewell can be less chaotic and more serene. ◇