TEXAS HOSPICE DEFINITIONS

Hospices provide care for individuals facing terminal illnesses, either at home or in healthcare facilities. The primary goal is to help patients live the final stage of their lives with dignity, focusing on comfort rather than treatment.

Services Provided:

• Nurse (N): Assesses the patient's physical needs, develops and coordinates the care plan, ensures symptom control and management, and provides patient/family education as needed.
• Social Worker (SW): Assesses emotional and social needs, develops a care plan, provides counseling, referrals, and support.
• Chaplain: Assesses spiritual needs, develops a care plan, provides counseling, and assists with memorial preparations.
• Home Health Aide: Provides direct personal care, emotional support, and reports needs to the RN.
• Volunteer: Provides respite, non-medical services, and support during death and bereavement.

Levels of Care:

• Routine Care (RO): Regular visits for symptom management at home, retirement community, assisted living, or nursing facility.
• Respite Care (RE): Short-term care in a long-term facility to give family members a break.
• General In-Patient Care (GIP): For uncontrolled symptoms requiring intensive nursing in a facility with 24-hour RN coverage. Room and board are covered by hospice.
• Continuous Care (CC): To prevent hospitalization during a crisis, provided at the patient's residence, for severe pain, uncontrolled symptoms, psychotic episodes, caregiver breakdown, or imminent death.

Additional Services:

• 24/7 Admissions: Patients can be admitted to hospice care at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Aromatherapy: Uses plant materials and oils to alter mood and well-being (not covered by Medicare).
• Grief Support Groups: Provide support during bereavement in a group setting.
• Indigent Patients: Some hospices accept non-funded or indigent patients on a case-by-case basis, often supported by non-profit organizations.
• In-Patient Care: Full hospice services offered in a dedicated facility.
• Licensed Massage Therapy: For relaxation, stress, and pain alleviation (not covered by Medicare).
• Music Therapy: Uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs (not covered by Medicare).
• Pain Pumps Available: For situations requiring medication through an IV pump. Check availability with the hospice RN case manager.
• Palliative Care: Provides relief from symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illnesses, suitable at any illness stage, and can be combined with curative treatment.
• PCP Oversight: Hospice patients can retain their primary care physician in addition to the hospice medical director.
• Pet Therapy: Visits from therapy animals to provide companionship and alleviate stress and loneliness (not covered by Medicare).
• VA Contract: The VA pays for hospice care for Veterans not on Medicare. Veterans on Medicare can choose any Medicare-approved hospice agency.