Admissions
Hosparus has fine-tuned our admissions process over the course of our many years of hospice and related services in the region.
Know when it's time to call Hosparus
Hosparus accepts patients with any life-limiting illness with a six month prognosis if the disease follows its normal course. Although a physician must order hospice care, patients and families can call us directly and we'll contact their doctor and make arrangements for a referral.
To reach the admissions department at the Hosparus office nearest you:
Hospice of Louisville
Serving Kentucky's Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties
Call (502) 719-4210, (502) 456-6200 or toll free at 1-800-264-0521
Hospice of Central Kentucky
Serving Kentucky's Adair, Green, Hardin, LaRue, Grayson, Breckinridge, Meade, Marion, Washington and Taylor counties
Call (270) 737-6300 or toll free at 1-800-686-9577
Hospice of Southern Indiana
Serving Indiana's Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington counties
Call (812) 945-4596 or toll free at 1-800-895-5633
Common questions about becoming a hospice patient
1. Who decides when hospice care starts?
Hospice is an option that should be discussed whenever a life-limiting illness affects the patient and family. By law, patients cannot be assigned to hospice, but instead they or their designee must elect hospice care. Hosparus caregivers realize that the decision to stop curative care is very difficult. Staff are available to discuss these concerns with patients, families and physicians.
2. Won't our physician tell us when hospice is appropriate?
Patients and families should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy or friends. It is important to let your physician know that you are interested in hospice care. Information is available on the role of the patient's attending physician.
3. What if our physician doesn't know about hospice?
Most physicians know about hospice. If your physician wants more information, it is available from Dr. Joe Rotella, chief medical officer for Hosparus. He can be reached at (502) 253-9236 or toll-free at (800) 264-0521. Other sources for physician information include:
- American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
- Hospice Foundation of America.
- Medical societies.
- National Hospice Hotline, (800) 658-8898.
Physicians and others also can obtain information about hospice from:
4. Is the home the only place patients can receive hospice care?
No. Hospice patients may reside in nursing homes. Patients also receive short-term inpatient care if needed for symptom management.
5. What happens at admission?
Hosparus contacts the patient's physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate. (If the patient does not have a physician, contact the appropriate hospice, and the medical staff will assist with questions.) The patient will be asked to sign consent and insurance forms. These are similar to the forms patients sign when they enter a hospital. The consent form states that the patient understands that the care is palliative (that is, aimed at pain relief and symptom control) rather than curative. It also outlines the services available. The form Medicare patients sign also tells how choosing the Medicare hospice benefit affects other Medicare coverage for a life-limiting illness.
6. What does hospice care cost?
Most major insurance companies offer a hospice benefit. To be sure of coverage, families should check with their employer or health insurance provider. Medicare and Medicaid also provide coverage, as applicable to the individual case. If a patient does not have insurance or Medicare, the first thing Hosparus will do is determine their eligibility for coverage through government programs; however, Hosparus accepts all patients meeting admission criteria regardless of their ability to pay.
We receive our income from Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, individual payments, donations, fundraising and grants. We also bill patients for deductibles, co-pays and services not covered by insurance, such as delivery of medications. Patients with limited resources are billed according to their ability to pay.
Many patients and families request that expressions of sympathy be made to their individual hospice. These contributions are acknowledged both to the donor and patient's family and allow us to provide our services to all persons in our community.
7. What is the role of the family and primary caregiver?
The family and primary caregiver continue to provide care and support to the patient. Hospice care is intended to supplement this care, not replace it. Hosparus team members are ready and willing to listen to concerns and offer help with caregiving plans. The team teaches the family and primary caregiver symptom management and supportive skills.
8. How many family members or friends are needed to care for a patient at home?
The amount of care needed depends on the patient's needs. One of the first things a hospice team will do is prepare an individualized care plan that will, among other things, address the amount of caregiving a patient needs, and determine who will provide this care. Hosparus staff visit regularly and are always accessible to answer questions and provide support.
9. Does someone need to be with the patient at all times?
In the early weeks of care, it's usually not necessary for someone to be with the patient all the time. As the patient becomes weaker and needs more assistance, Hosparus generally recommends someone be there continuously. While patients must rely on family and friends to provide most of the care, our volunteers can help with errands and to provide a break and time away for major caregivers. Hosparus social workers also can help the family locate other resources for caregiving.
10. How do I prepare my home for hospice care?
The hospice nurse makes arrangements so that items such as a hospital bed, bedside commode, wheelchair or oxygen can be delivered to the patient. Supplies such as disposable pads, gloves and dressings usually are delivered by the nurse. If you have problems with equipment or supplies, contact your nurse or the Hosparus office, and we will make arrangements for repairs or replacements.
