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What is Hospice?

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Gentle Transitions Hospice

Learn what hospice care is: Gentle Transitions Hospice services in Central TX, DFW, and surrounding areas.
What is Hospice?
Hospice care is a compassionate, palliative approach focused on managing pain and symptoms rather than seeking a cure. It aims to ensure that individuals can live their final days with dignity and comfort, whether at home or in a home-like setting. This care involves a medically directed, interdisciplinary team that provides comprehensive support to both patients and their families, treating them as the unit of care throughout the end-of-life journey
Who Is Eligible For Hospice Care?

  • Anyone facing a life-limiting illness of six (6) months or less

  • Anyone who qualifies and agrees to services

  • Regardless of financial status or insurance coverage

  • Individuals seeking palliative care focused on comfort rather than curative treatment

  • Patients who have frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits due to their illness

  • Those experiencing a significant decline in their condition, including unintentional weight loss or decreased ability to perform daily activities

  • People who wish to receive care in the comfort of their own home or in a hospice facility

  • Individuals with a caregiver willing to provide support in collaboration with the hospice team

Eligibility
Who Makes The Decison to enter Hospice?

  • The law leaves the final decision up to the patient. However, the decision is usually made after discussion with:

  • Members of the family

  • The physician

  • Clergy

  • Other trusted individuals and advisors

 

This collaborative approach ensures that the decision is well-informed and considers the patient's wishes and the perspectives of those involved in their care and well-being

Decision Makers
Who Pays For Hospice Care?

Hospice care has been shown to usually be less expensive than conventional medical care during the last six months of life.  Hospice is never paid for out-of-pocket. There is always an option for you or your family member.

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  • Medicare

  • Medicaid

  • VA (Veterans Affairs)

  • Triwest

  • Tricare

  • Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, + many more...

  • And a charitable percentage (%) of non-funded patients

Payment
Services
What services does hospice provide?
Hospice is not a place, but is a service that consists of an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who come to you at your preferred location, our team includes:
Physicians
Nurses
Hospice Aides
Chaplain
Volunteers
Medical Supplies
Medications
Medical Equipment
**Related to hospice diagnosis**
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Help us make Gentle Transitions Hospice even better!
  • What is hospice care, and who is it for?
    Hospice care is specialized care designed for patients facing a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, as diagnosed by a physician. It focuses on enhancing quality of life through pain and symptom management rather than curing the illness. It can be provided at home, in hospitals, nursing homes, or dedicated hospice facilities.
  • When is the right time for hospice?
    The right time for hospice is when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired, and the burden of treatment outweighs the benefits. It’s appropriate when frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits become common, and there are feelings of hopelessness regarding the condition and quality of life. Additionally, significant declines in physical condition, such as noticeable weight loss or decreased mobility, indicate a shift towards focusing on comfort rather than cure. If a patient expresses a desire for comfort-focused care, seeks emotional and spiritual support, and wishes to remain in a familiar environment, such as their own home, it may be the right time to consider hospice care.
  • How does hospice care differ from other types of healthcare?
    Unlike traditional healthcare that aims to cure or treat a disease, hospice care shifts the focus to comfort and quality of life. It provides comprehensive support not only for physical symptoms but also for emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
  • What services are included in hospice care?
    Hospice care includes a range of services such as medical care to manage pain and symptoms, nursing care, social services, spiritual support, counseling for patients and families, medications related to the terminal illness, medical equipment and supplies, and bereavement support.
  • How is pain managed in hospice care?
    Pain management in hospice care is typically managed through a combination of medications, therapies (like massage or acupuncture), and other techniques tailored to the patient's needs. The goal is to alleviate pain and discomfort while ensuring the patient remains alert and comfortable
  • How does hospice care support family caregivers?
    Hospice care recognizes the crucial role of family caregivers and provides them with training, respite care, emotional support, and guidance on how to care for their loved one. It aims to ease the burden on caregivers by providing resources and assistance throughout the patient's end-of-life journey.
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