Getting Help
Getting help may be something you are interested in but making the decision to contact Hospice can be the hardest part. Hospice of Jefferson County can help make that decision easier. Our expert Hospice staff will answer any questions you might have and will determine if you or your loved one is appropriate for Hospice Care. Below are some steps you can take to help make the process easier.
Step One - Learn about Hospice and your options.
The best time to learn about Hospice is before you need it.The patient and family can benefit much more from Hospice services if referred earlier.At any time during a life-threatening illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s healthcare options, including Hospice.
A referral to Hospice is appropriate when:
- A patient has a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less.
- Comfort care and symptom management become the primary focus.
- Curative treatment is no longer the patient’s choice or option.
Step Two - Call Hospice to make a referral or inquire about services.
Please call us at 315.788.7323 and our Intake Coordinator will help you begin the referral process. Making this important phone call is the next step.
Referrals to Hospice may be made by anyone, including but not limited to:
- Physicians
- Discharge Planners
- Social Workers
- Patients
- Family Members
- Nursing Homes
- Friends
- Clergy
Too often referrals for Hospice Care are not made until the patient has uncontrolled symptoms or is near death. Although Hospice Care can do much to assist and provide care at this time, the patient’s and family’s quality of life can be greatly enhanced by early intervention.
Step Three - The admission process.
The Hospice Staff will perform an assessment and the Hospice Medical Director will determine eligibility. A Hospice Care Team will be assigned to the patient and family and will make the transition to Hospice Care as seamless as possible. We treat all of our patients and their families with dignity. We respect your privacy and keep all information shared confidential.