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A doctor needs to verify that the persons condition will likely result in six months or less to live.
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Reply to PeggySue2020
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While a doctor is the determining factor if a person is "Hospice eligible" I did not take my Husband to the doctor nor did I talk to the doctor. I happened to stop in at the Hospice facility and while I was filling out some information the Nurse made a few phone calls and I presume she spoke to my Husbands doctor and she came back and said that he qualified, his doctor said that he was eligible.
That began our almost 3 year Journey with Hospice.
The best thing to do would be start with the Hospice of your choice and make a call and ask what the steps are to have a hospice evaluation. the person you talk to will give you all the information that you need. It is very possible that they will call the doctor (or ask you to) and have the dx faxed so that they have the information.
Know that Hospice will not be there 24/7
There needs to be a Primary Caregiver. If the person does not currently need 24/7 care if at anytime Hospice feel that they need 24/7 care they can ask that a Primary Caregiver be named and if the person refuses Hospice can withdraw if they think it is unsafe.
A Nurse will come 1 time a week. (more if medically needed) the Nurse will order medical supplies and equipment.
A CNA will come 2 maybe 3 times a week to give a bath, shower and order personal supplies.
Also part of the Team is a Social Worker that may come 1 time a month, more if needed, a Chaplain, 1 time a month, more if requested. And you can ask for a Volunteer to come and sit with the patient. The Volunteer can do NO hands on care.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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You can call the hospice agency of your choice yourself and they will come out and do an assessment to see if your loved one qualifies for their care. Hospice will also check with your loved ones doctor to find out exactly what is going on.
So to get the ball rolling call the hospice agency of your choice today as they are available 24/7.
But just know that with in-home care from hospice, that you will still be responsible for 99% of your loved ones care, as they will only send a nurse once a week to start to check vitals and such, and aides to bathe your loved one at least twice a week. They will however supply any and all needed equipment, supplies and medications all covered 100% under your loved ones Medicare.
I wish you well in getting this all figured out.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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PeggySue is correct. This must come from the doctor.

Do know that today's hospice often amounts to little more than two bedbaths weekly, and one RN visit, a call from Social Services and a call from clergy as well as some medications and equipment such as hospital bed, bedside commode and etc. If these things would be helpful then speak with your MD.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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