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TO YOUR HEALTH
Hospice of Huntington: A special way of caring
Ann Conjura, M.D.
Purchase this photoAsk most people what they know about Hospice of Huntington, and you'll likely get such responses as, "It's where people go to die," or "They take care of people right before they die." While neither response is entirely incorrect, some clarification may be needed. Yes, it's true that we care for patients who are dying. However, today hospice is seen by many as a philosophy, rather than a place. The hospice approach to care is a comprehensive program for terminally ill patients to help them live to the fullest by meeting their physical, emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life.
At Hospice of Huntington, we understand the effect a terminal illness can have upon a patient and family. When hospice care is introduced in the early stages of a terminal illness, patients may find that their pain and symptoms are managed so effectively they are able to join in many activities they enjoyed prior to their illness. Hospice services are provided wherever the patient may reside; at home, in a skilled nursing facility, or residential care facility. We also care for patients admitted to the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House.
When Hospice of Huntington, Inc. was incorporated in 1983, Medicare and other insurances did not cover hospice services except under special pilot programs. In 1986, hospice services became a permanent part of the Medicare Benefit. Hospice of Huntington diligently applied to become a Hospice provider under the Medicare Hospice Benefit and was the first hospice in West Virginia to become Medicare certified.
Hospice care services are also covered by Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Private pay is also accepted. Financial assistance is available for those who cannot afford to pay. Hospice of Huntington services are available to anyone who needs them, regardless of their ability to pay.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit is uniquely designed so that patients can stay at home, surrounded by their loved ones. Our doctors, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers, clergy and volunteers visit patients in their own homes where 90% of Americans say they want to spend their last days. Medication advances for pain and symptom control are available in the home as well. The cost of medication and durable medical equipment (including oxygen) directly related to the terminal illness are covered, as well.
The most common complaint we hear from families is that they wish they had called us sooner. Families will often wait until death is so near that the patient has only a few weeks, days or even hours to live, due in part to a fear of hospice. Dr. Ann Conjura, Chief Medical Director for Hospice of Huntington, says this is very common. "Many times I se patients and families who put off calling us because they think it means giving up. I encourage anyone to give us a chance to make a difference. And if they don't think we're helping, it's okay to choose a different option. We're here to treat the patients-not the disease-so that they can remain comfortable and pain free for as long as possible," she said.
Most times, there is a plenty of living to do following an initial diagnoses and the hospice team helps people maximize their enjoyment of life. The Medicare Hospice Benefit is designed provide care to the patient and offer for the last six months of life. For those facing an end stage or terminal illness, no one knows exactly how long you have to live.
A recent study reveals that hospice services may extend life for up to a month longer than if the patient was not under hospice care. In some cases, patients graduate from hospice care, extending the terminal prognosis. While they are not cured and will, most likely, return to hospice care as the diseases progresses, their condition may stabilize or even improve for a period of time to the point they no longer require as much medical attention.
If someone you know has a life-limiting or terminal illness, call Hospice of Huntington at (304) 529-4217 or toll free at 1 (800) 788-5480. Our nurses visit patients in their home for a free evaluation.
