1. Who can make referrals?
Patient, family member, physician, Home Health Care Organization, Hospitals,
friends and clergy. How can a referral be made?
Call Hospice of Boston, (617) 439-4419 or Hospice of Greater Brockton,
(508) 583-0383 or ask the patient’s physician to call. Our hospice will
be pleased to make a FREE informational visit to the residence or the
hospital to evaluate the appropriateness of hospice care.
2. Who is appropriate for hospice services?
Any terminally ill patient with a life expectancy of six months or
less. Hospice provides care regardless of age, nationality, race, creed
or sexual orientation. No one is ever denied care due to inability to
pay.
3. When is it time for hospice?
When cure is not possible it’s time to consider hospice. We offer a
plan of care that enables patients to live their last days to the fullest,
hospice’s goal is comfort both physically and mentally. Usually in their
own homes, supported and surrounded by their families and friends.
4. May a patient keep his or her own Physician?
Yes, the patient’s primary care physician and the hospice team will
develop a plan of care which the patient’s primary physician will supervise.
5. How do I pay for hospice care?
Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross, HMO's and private insurance plans.
All commercial plans in Massachusetts are required by law to provide
a hospice benefit. Anyone with a “senior plan” such as Secure Horizons,
First Seniority or Fallon Health Plan is eligible for hospice care.
6. Does hospice provide 24 hour care?
Hospice has a registered nurse on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
scheduled nursing visits are made from 8 A.M. to 9 P.M. Although hospice
does not replace the patient’s family members or friends as the primary
caregiver, there is a Registered Nurse available by phone 24 hours a
day, seven days a week who can answer questions, give advice or if needed,
make a visit.