Benefits of Hospice

Scientific studies repeatedly show that, for patients with advanced terminal diseases, hospice services at home, lasting three weeks or longer, result in greater patient satisfaction and greater family satisfaction. This is largely because hospice, more than any other category of healthcare, is a program designed specifically for the needs of patients in this special time of life.

Contrary to what people sometimes guess, hospice does not shorten life. While hospice focuses on care that enhances quality of life, not length of life, a well-established body of research now demonstrates that hospice creates a trend toward lengthened life compared to pursuing curative measures past a certain point. This is because rest, comfort, and happiness are sometimes exactly what a person needs.

Research also demonstrates that hospice care during this important time improves the health and emotional status of family members, especially spouses, during and after bereavement.

The Hospice Team

To fully address the needs of each patient and their families during the time of hospice, Brio assembles a varied team of dedicated caregivers who can be available to each home. Families receiving hospice care may receive visits from:

• Skilled Nurses
• Hospice Doctor
• Nursing Assistants
• Home Health Aides
• Volunteers
• Social Workers
• Chaplain
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Therapists

Medicare Pays 100%

For qualified Medicare beneficiaries with traditional Medicare (as opposed to Medicare Advantage plans), Medicare pays 100% of allowable charges from Brio Home Health & Hospice. Medicare Advantage plans may limit benefits in different ways. Brio Home Health & Hospice can promptly research your insurance benefits for you and report the extent of coverage promptly.

Hospice Services

Brio's hospice services are a combination of medical care, emotional support, and functional support benefiting both our patient and the patient's family. Brio's hospice services often include:

• Pain management: When hospice is elected, this often opens avenues for increased pain management measures.
• Medical equipment: As needed and related to the hospice diagnosis, Brio will supply various types of medical equipment at no charge to the patient or family. For example: hospital beds, wheelchairs.
• Medical supplies related to the hospice diagnosis: For example, wound care supplies if there is a surgical wound being cared for.
• Medication: All medication related to the hospice diagnosis. This applies especially to pain medication and other medication for symptom control.
• Home infusion treatments
• Caregiver training
• Support with health-related activities of daily living such as changing bed linens, patient bathing, dressing
• Emotional support
• Companionship
• Guidance with end-of-life decisions such as advance directives and funeral planning
• Bereavement support