-C.A.R.E.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Hospice
Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc. can help you get set up
with a hospice near you and answer your questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Hospice
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For further information concerning the questions below and many other hospice topics see Sangita devi dasi's (Susan Pattinson, RN) book "The Final Journey Complete hospice care for the Departing Vaisnava" (Torchlight Publishing) |
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| Is Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc.(V-C.A.R.E.) a hospice? |
No. We are a team of volunteer Vaisnava health care professionals, as well as layperson caregivers, who are working together to support and assist terminally-ill patients and their loved ones. We are in the process of forming a worldwide network of Vaisnavas who will offer their assistance, within their own communities, to those who face the most difficult challenge of their lives. Through educational seminars, website support, and volunteer assistance, Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc. offers comfort to those in need. Please view our service page to see the variety of services we are pleased to offer. |
| When and by whom should a decision about entering a hospice program be made? | It is always the patients choice to decide when and if he or she would like to get involved with hospice care. It is very important that the patient understand what hospice care is, what hospice can do for him, and what kind of care hospice offers. V-C.A.R.E. is here to offer education not only for the caregivers, but for the inquiring patient to help him make an informed decision. |
| Why do people choose hospice care? | There are several reasons why hospice is a good choice:
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| Is it alright for me to raise the possibility of hospice with my physician or should I wait for him or her to bring up this issue? |
The patient and their loved ones should always feel free to talk with the physician, other health care workers, counselor, social worker, and friends about this topic. |
| What should I do if my physician does not know about hospice? |
It is unlikely that your physician will not know of hospice. But, if this is the case there are many resources if he or she would like to learn more. Hospice information is available from the physicians section of the National Council of Hospice Professionals, state hospice organizations, medical societies, and the National Hospice Help-line at 1-800-658-8898. There is also information of hospice at the American Cancer Society, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the Social Security Administration. |
| If a patient is admitted to hospice and later shows signs of recovery, can he or she be returned to regular medical care? | Absolutely, If a patient's condition improves or goes into
remission, he may be discharged from hospice care and even seek aggressive
care if desired. If later hospice again becomes the appropriate mode
of care, Medicare and most other insurances will allow for this coverage.
Even if a patient is not in remission, he or she has the right to terminate
the agreement with a hospice if more aggressive treatment is desired.
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| What kind of assistance can a patient expect from a hospice program? |
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| Does someone need to be with the patient at all times? | Because one of the most common fears of patients is that of dying alone, it is best if someone can be with the patient at all times. For the Vaisnava this is especially important so he or she can be reminded of Krishna and allowed to hear the sweet chanting of the Maha Mantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare). Although family and other loved ones do provide most of the care, volunteers are trained and provided to give respite care. |
| Is hospice care only available for care of the patient at their own home? | Although the majority of hospice patients are cared for at home, some do reside in nursing homes or hospice centers. Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc. has a Care home that provides these types of services. |
| Does an admission to hospice mean I am giving up hope? | Hospice looks at dying as a natural and inevitable event. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death; rather hospice helps patients live with comfort and dignity until the last moment of life. Pain control and psychosocial support is emphasized which gives the patient peaceful and quality remaining time. Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc. emphasizes the spiritual needs of the patient and family to attain comfort and peace. |
| With hospice, will the patient's pain be managed? | Hospice addresses spiritual, emotional, and physical pain and provides services for each. Hospice nurses and physicians are specifically trained in the latest medications and modalities for symptom relief and pain control. Many hospices have physical and occupational therapists that can assist the patient in being as mobile and self sufficient as they are able for as long as possible. Other modalities that are often offered are music therapy, art therapy, and massage. Various counselors are also available to assist patients and their loved ones. |
| Do the medications that hospice provides cause the patient to be unresponsive or in a dazed state? | It is the goal of the hospice team to keep the patient both as pain free and alert as possible. Because there is constant communication with the hospice team and frequent assessments of the patient, hospices have had a lot of success in this area. |
| Is hospice care covered by insurance? | Hospice care is covered by Medicare nationwide, by Medicaid in a majority of states, and by most private insurances. If you are unsure, check with your insurance provider. |
| What if the patient is not covered by private insurance or Medicare? | Most hospices will provide a representative who will help assess the financial need of the patient and offer some direction. Some hospices offer their services regardless of the patient's ability to pay. |
| What specifically does Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc. offer? | Please follow this link for details on
Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc.
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