Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’S

This set of frequently-asked questions may provide you with the answers you’re looking for. If you don’t find your question listed, please call Maxcare Hospice at (714) 844-7777 to speak with an admissions representative.

When should a patient be referred to hospice?

When the patient has six months or less to live, all attempts to cure have been stopped, and the patient/family has been told of the prognosis, then the patient should be referred to hospice. It is best not to wait until death is imminent since the team will not have time to establish rapport or intervene effectively. Sometimes the patient or family members are not all accepting of the prognosis for referral to hospice to be made.

Who is eligible for hospice care?

To be admitted to the hospice program, a patient must meet the criteria noted on the Eligibility Guidelines. However, the overriding guideline is a simple one: the patient must be certified as having a life expectancy of six months or less. All definitive curative therapies must be finished.

What is the admission procedure?

Anyone, including the patient, family member, or physician may make the initial request for service by calling (714) 844-7777. The admissions RN will record the vital information and, if necessary, contact the patient’s physician for orders and permission to admit the patient to the hospice program.

How long will it take to see someone?

An initial visit is usually made within twenty four hours of the referral. At that time, the patient’s condition and needs are assessed. The RN will explain services, discuss how other team members will be visiting and answer any questions. This time can be the same day if the family requests.

Who pays for Hospice care?

Medicare, Medicaid and some private insurance pay for the care given by the hospice team. If a patient does not have any payment source, he/she may pay all or part of the bill, personally. The important thing to remind your patients is this: no one is denied service because of an inability to pay.

Will I continue to take care of the patient?

The referring physician may choose to maintain control of the care of the patient. This is the most common arrangement. If the patient is to be admitted to the inpatient unit of the hospital and the referring physician does not have admitting privileges there, the medical director will take responsibility for the inpatient care and return the patient to his doctor on discharge from the hospital.

What is the hospice team?

A team made up of representatives from a variety of disciplines provides hospice care. These include:

What to expect at the end of life?

Expectations Within Time Frame

 One to Three Months

  • Withdrawal from the world and people
  • Decreased food intake
  • Increase in sleep
  • Going inside of self
  • Less communication

One to Two Weeks

  • Disorientation Physical
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Talking with the unseen
  • Picking at clothes
  • Physical
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Color changes, pale, bluish
  • Respiration irregularities
  • Sleeping but responding
  • Not eating, taking little fluids
  • Pulse increase or decrease
  • Increased perspiration
  • Congestion
  • Complaints of body tired and heavy
  • Body temperature to be hot/cold

Days or Hours

  • Intensification of One to Two Weeks signs
  • Surge of energy
  • Decrease in blood pressure
  • Eyes glossy, tearing, half open
  • Irregular breathing, stop/start
  • Restlessness or no activity
  • Purplish knees, feet, hands, blotchy
  • Pulse weak and hard to find
  • Decreased urine output
  • May wet or stool the bed

Minutes

  • “Fish out of water” breathing
  • Cannot be awakened

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Contact Us

Address

Maxcare Hospice
13800 Arizona Street Suite 201
Westminster, CA 92683

Phone Number

(714) 844 – 7777

Email

Info@maxcarehospice.com

Feeling alone is never an option

at Maxcare hospice, we believe in being there for you and your family.

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