Families
Q&A to Find Care
Is your loved one showing any of these signs or symptoms?
- Frequent trips to the emergency room or repeat hospitalizations
- Decreasing appetite and/or weight loss
- Increasing weakness
- Frequent falls
- Increasing shortness of breath
- Requiring more help with everyday activities
- Ongoing need for catheterizations or wound care
- Multiple changes in medications because of ineffectiveness
- Increase in the number of medications required to control symptoms
- Physician says life expectancy may be six months or less
- Family feeling overwhelmed and in need of more resources or assistance
If you answered yes to some of these symptoms or have seen an increase in the frequency of the symptoms, you or your loved one may qualify for hospice care or other services. Learn more about hospice care or request a phone call from HMC Hospice of Medina County using this form.
Hospice FAQs
What is Hospice?
Hospice is a special program of caring for people who are terminally ill, as well as their families. This care includes physical, emotional, and spiritual care. It is for all age groups – children, adults, and the elderly – during their final stages of life.
How does Hospice work?
An interdisciplinary team of professionals will help care for you. This team includes your family, a doctor, a registered nurse, a social worker, a chaplain, a home health aide, volunteers, and grief counselors.
What type of care is given on the Hospice program?
The care that Hospice provides is designed to help you make the most of the last months of life by giving you comfort and relief from pain. The focus is on caring, not curing.
Is Hospice care for cancer patients only?
No. Hospice care is for any person who has a terminal diagnosis.
Who pays for Hospice?
Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A, Medicaid, and most health insurance policies.
Where can I receive Hospice care?
Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient is – at home, assisted living facility, nursing home, hospital…anywhere.
What if I get better?
Sometimes, a terminally-ill patient’s health improves or their illness goes into remission. If that occurs, your doctor may recommend that you are no longer in need of Hospice care and may discharge you from the Hospice program. If your health should decline again, your doctor may readmit you into Hospice care.