The Hospice Admission Process

The hospice admission process integrates patients and their families into hospice care. The process should be seamless and stress-free for the patient. The first step typically includes a hospice referral from a physician or healthcare provider. Once we receive the referral, we contact the patient or family member for a consent form and to schedule a visit for an assessment to learn more about the patient’s diagnosis and specific needs. Following the assessment, if the patient is eligible for hospice care, regular visits can begin.

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Referral to Hospice And Physician’s Order

The admission process begins when one of our care representatives receives a phone call or inquiry informing us of an individual who might benefit from hospice services. During the call, the representative may ask a series of questions to learn more about the patients current condition, their interest in hospice care, and their primary physician’s contact information. Shortly after the call, they may contact the patient’s doctor to learn more about their need for hospice and health conditions. A physician’s order is typically necessary before hospice care can begin.

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Assessment by Our Hospice Care Team

The next step is the assessment visit by one of our licensed registered nurses. This visit is the perfect opportunity for the patient and their family members to get to know the hospice care team, and allows us the opportunity to learn more about the needs and preferences of the patient and their loved ones. Together we can create a completely personalized care plan specific to the needs of each patient. To prepare for this visit, it is recommended that patients gather important medical information, such as insurance documents, a list of medications that have been prescribed, and copies of healthcare directives (e.g. DNR orders, Medical Power of Attorney etc.)

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Signing The Consents

At the end of the assessment, the nurse provides consent forms for the patient to sign. These forms include important details such as patient (and their family’s) contact information and insurance details. They also verify that the patient and their family understand the services that will be provided. The nurse will explain each form in detail and answer all questions for clarification of anything that may seem confusing. In many ways, the consent forms are similar to what you might fill out when visiting the hospital or a new physician’s office.

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Regular Visits from the Hummingbird Care Team

Hospice care will officially begin following the assessment and signing of the consent forms. Every patient receives an individualized care plan based on their specific medical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health needs. The primary goal of hospice is to improve the overall quality of life for the patient. We accomplish this by minimizing pain through therapies and medication, assisting with daily living activities such as bathing and meals, and providing medical equipment and supplies to the patient. Our care team includes various roles, including but not limited to:

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• The hospice medical director and the patient’s preferred physician

• Registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, and volunteers

• Chaplains and/or spiritual advisors

• Social workers and/or mental health professionals

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Hospice care involves regular in-home visits by  our registered nurses and other members of the care team to check on the patient and monitor symptoms, as well as assist with daily activities. Additional services may be offered if the patient chooses and the care plan can be modified at any time.

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Benefits of Hospice Care

The primary focus of hospice care is to improve the quality of life for the patient and their loved ones. Hospice care includes weekly visits to assist the patient with their daily physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs, which takes responsibility off of personal caregivers or close family members. This allows families to spend more time with their loved one to create lasting memories. The benefits of hospice care include:

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• Care from a multidisciplinary team

• 24/7 access to care

• Increased comfort

• Improved quality of life

• Reduced out-of-pocket expenses

• Avoiding unwanted hospitalization

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Our care is unique for each patient according to their end-of-life requests and desires. The care team is there every step of the way to guide the patient and their family through the most difficult moments.

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Start the Admission Process with Hummingbird Hospice

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and chosen to cease curative treatment, hospice may be right for you. To learn more about services at Hummingbird Hospice and to begin the admission process, please contact a care representative or send us a message today. We would be honored to answer your questions and concerns, and guide you through the admission process.