When is it time to talk about hospice?

Hospice begins to serve when comfort, not cure, becomes the main objective.

Physicians are trained to cure and we look to them to be our "warriors" against disease. That's one reason many doctors continue aggressively treating patients with life-limiting illnesses, even when there is no hope for cure. Their mission is to fight death and they do it so valiantly.

Yet, studies show Americans would gladly trade quantity of life for quality of life. We would rather spend our final days in comfort, surrounded by loved ones at home, than in a hospital dealing with treatment side effects.

We Americans have become more pro-active in our healthcare, we can look candidly at our own illnesses and talk frankly about them with our healthcare providers.

Questions to ask your physician may include:

                How likely is it that this treatment will cure me?

                What will happen if I stop treatment?

                Would you be surprised if I should die within the next six months?

                What care options focusing on comfort are available?

Questions to ask yourself or your loved one might include these:

                Do I have good quality of life right now?

                Do I think that I am getting well?

                What are some of the things I still want to do?

                What is the biggest problem I am experiencing with treatment?

                Will my family understand my decision to forego curative treatments?

With answers to these questions and others, we can plan for the best quality of life in the time reaming to us. Hospices are expert resources for end-of-life issues. Every day they guide patients and their families through conversations that help select the best possible care and treatment options at life's end. There are several hospice providers in the region today and you have many options and choices available to you or your loved one.

How is a hospice provider chosen?

The final decision for which hospice to choose is made by the patient and/or family. Your doctor or nurse may make suggestions based on their own preferences; however, the ultimate decision belongs to the patient and/or family.

Who pays for hospice?

Hospice of Lubbock care is available to all persons regardless of their financial status. Financial coverage is available through the Hospice Medicare benefit, Medicaid and private insurance.

Hospice of Lubbock also accepts unfunded patients, therefore ability to pay is not a consideration for admission. Hospice of Lubbock relies on the great generosity of the 19 counties/communities it serves to help with our mission of providing hospice care to all hospice eligible patients. Fundraising and donations help Hospice of Lubbock provide charitable hospice care.

How do I make a referral to Hospice of Lubbock?

Referrals can come from anyone, but the physician must certify the patient as hospice eligible. Referrals can be made 24 hours/day, 7 days/week by calling 806.795.2751.