Hospice questions can be hard to answer, but those in the know can guide your decisions
ASK THE EXPERT
– Dr. Brent Bennett. Bennett holds a doctorate of medicine from the University of Arkansas for Medical Science. He serves as medical director for Hospice of Texarkana, supervising physician for CHRISTUS St. Michael Palliative Care and emergency medicine physician for CHRISTUS St. Michael.
1. When is it time for Hospice care?
Hospice care is for someone with a life-limiting illness who is wanting to pursue care that is directed toward symptom management and comfort. Hospice care is for patients of any age, and a member of Hospice of Texarkana can visit with patients and families at any time to discuss care options. Anyone- patient, family member, physician, friend or neighbor can contact Hospice of Texarkana at (903) 7944263 for a visit to review care and explain options.
2. What are the levels of Hospice care?
The Hospice Medicare benefit includes four levels of care: Home Hospice Care, General Inpatient Hospice Care, Respite Care, and Crisis Care provided in the home. Patients can be admitted to any level of care based on their symptoms and situation. Most care is provided in the patient’s home environment which includes a home residence, assisted living, or nursing home. General Inpatient Hospice (GIP care) is for intense symptom management, like a hospice ICU situation. Respite Care is a break for caregivers for rest, appointments, vacations, or attending a family event. Crisis Care is provided in the home setting when symptoms have elevated to a crisis point and intense management by a hospice staff member is needed.
3. What is the Hospice of Texarkana
Inpatient Facility?
Hospice of Texarkana is the only community-based, non-profit hospice in our region. In 2016, the Hospice Care Facility was built to provide care that would otherwise occur in the hospital. The facility will also provide respite service to the patients and families we serve. We are located at 2407 Galleria Oaks and welcome tours by the community to see the facility in person. We also have virtual tours on our website, www.hospiceoftexarkana.org. Since opening, we have cared for approximately 2,000 patients in our facility. Our inpatient facility offers daily physician rounds, unlimited visiting hours, private rooms with a patio, sleeping accommodations for guests, and physicians and nurses who are experts in pain and symptom management. In addition, we offer services via social workers, chaplains, and bereavement counselors to focus on families’ emotional and spiritual needs. Also offered within our facility is a chapel, theatre/coffee shop, family living room, meditation garden and walking path, children’s playroom, guest shower & laundry, wi-fi access, and vending machines.
Electing hospice care is a decision that requires accurate information and thoughtful discussions about what is most important in the patient and family’s life at this point in their illness journey. www. medicare.gov also has excellent resources about what is hospice care and details of the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Hospice care is also covered by most private insurances and Medicaid.