 
|
FAQ about CNS
Hospice and hospice care |
What is
the goal of hospice care?
To provide palliative (comfort) care to alleviate the problems and symptoms that can occur
at the end of life. Palliative care enables the patient, family and caregivers to focus on
living each day to the fullest.
How long has CNS Hospice provided services?
CNS Hospice was founded in 1974 (then called Hospice of DuPage) and is one of the oldest
hospices in Illinois. The hospice movement began in the US in the early 1970s. Elizabeth
Kubler-Ross, a pioneer in the field of death and dying, was a member of our first Board of
Directors.
What geographical area does CNS Hospice serve?
CNS Hospice serves DuPage, Kane, Will, McHenry and western Cook counties in northern
Illinois.
Where do Hospice caregivers see patients?
Hospice caregivers visit patients in private homes, skilled nursing facilities and
retirement communities.
What services does CNS Hospice provide?
CNS Hospice is a full-service hospice. Patients--from adults to infants--receive
specialized care from an interdisciplinary team, including a medical director, patient
care manager, RN, CNA, social worker, chaplain and a trained volunteer. The team follows
an individualized care plan that meets the physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual
needs of the patient and family.
What if the primary diagnosis is not cancer?
Patients are eligible for hospice when their physician certifies a limited life expectancy
and there are no further plans for curative treatment. CNS Hospice provides services to
patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, congestive
heart failure, ALS, MS, AIDS, end-stage Renal Disease and other end-stage illnesses.
If the pain of an illness becomes too great, does
Hospice do anything to hasten death?
Absolutely not! Through our expertise in pain and symptom management, as well as
emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual support, we are very skilled in helping
our patients find the relief they need.
If a patient, family or caregiver is comfortable with
death and dying, why would they need hospice care?
No matter how comfortable one is with death and dying, most people find the specialized
knowledge, compassionate care and ongoing support of the interdisciplinary team of CNS
Hospice to be invaluable.
What if the patient has no one available to provide care
at home?
CNS Hospice will work with the patient and family to find caregivers. The Hospice team
visits regularly but does not provide 24-hour custodial care.
What can Hospice do for a patient with a
life-threatening illness
who's receiving home care, but not ready for Hospice?
CNS Hospice has a Bridge Program for patients receiving nursing care through our home care
division--CNS Home Health. Representatives from CNS Home Health and CNS Hospice meet daily
to monitor the condition of CNS Home Health patients with life-threatening illnesses. If
patients require hospice care, they can easily be ?bridged? to take advantage of the
specialized Hospice services.
Can a patient leave Hospice care?
Patients are free to withdraw at any time. Sometimes new treatments become available, and
a patient decides to pursue aggressive, rather than palliative care. Also, a patient's
condition may become stable making Hospice care no longer appropriate. The patient would
then be discharged from CNS Hospice.
How is Hospice paid for?
CNS Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans. Hospice
care is available to anyone who meets the indications for care. CNS Hospice has a sliding
fee scale which is applied to patients with financial needs.
Can the family receive bereavement services if the
deceased was not a Hospice patient?
Absolutely! CNS Hospice's bereavement services--including professional and volunteer
support through individual and group contacts--are available to anyone who is grieving,
including adults and children.
Does Hospice have trained volunteers?
In addition to the services of a professional staff, CNS Hospice also uses volunteers. All
Hospice volunteers must undergo a background check, submit a list of references, be
interviewed and complete the Hospice training program. They then can provide support to
patients/families/caregivers, do clerical work, or help at the CNS Hospice resale shop in
Oakbrook Terrace.
CNS Hospice is a not-for-profit agency. What does that
mean?
CNS Hospice is committed to giving to the communities it serves. Last year, Hospice
provided more than $400,000 worth of free care to patients with financial needs. Hospice
never refuses a patient because of inability to pay. (There are not-for-profit,
for-profit, and strictly volunteer hospices. Although all hospices work with people facing
terminal illness, the philosophy, policies, and services offered can very greatly from one
hospice agency to another.)
Do any outside agencies regulate the quality of a
Hospice patient's care?
CNS Hospice is licensed by the state and is Medicare/Medicaid certified by the federal
government. In addition, our agency has voluntarily sought and received accreditation by
the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
What if we're not sure Hospice is appropriate?
To discuss individual cases, call the RNs at the Client Resource Center at (630) 665-7006.
We, at CNS Hospice, believe all patients/families/caregivers who are facing a
life-threatening illness have the right to be informed about their options for care. Even
when a cure is not possible, CNS Hospice is dedicated to providing care and support.
|
