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SamaritanNJ.org 47Understanding HospiceGOALS OF HOSPICE CAREHospice means help. Choosing hospice means choosing quality of life according to your wishes. Hospice care is typically initiated when curative treatment options have been exhausted or when an individual has made the decision to discontinue such treatments.Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life as defined by you and your family.%u2022 Hospice is comfort care and comprehensive symptom management at the end of life.%u2022 Hospice is supportive services for family caregivers and loved ones.%u2022 Hospice is care provided wherever you call home.%u2022 Hospice is an interdisciplinary team of experienced professionals and trained volunteers.A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMHospice care is a comprehensive program that includes:%u2022 Medical direction of your plan of care by your physician and Samaritan%u2019s hospice physicians.%u2022 Coordination of your care plan and nursing care by your registered nurse with support of licensed practical nurses.%u2022 Counseling by your social worker/bereavement counselor and spiritual support counselor.%u2022 Personal care performed by your certified home health aide.%u2022 Emergency telephone consultations and/or visits by an nurse 24/7.%u2022 Companionship from trained volunteers.%u2022 Durable medical equipment, supplies, and medications delivered to your home.%u2022 Access to short-term inpatient services for severe pain and symptom control.%u2022 Bereavement services including support groups for adults and children.WHO PAYS?%u2022 The Medicare Hospice Benefit is comprehensive coverage that pays for 100% of hospice services in the plan of care, including a team of professionals -- physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers/bereavement counselors, spiritual support counselors, certified home health aides %u2013 plus medication, equipment, supplies, and inpatient services or respite, if necessary. Please note: you may be responsible for a small co-payment.%u2022 Medicaid, HMOs, VA, and commercial insurance plans cover most hospice services. For specific information about your carrier%u2019s hospice benefit, please contact your insurance company.%u2022 For care unrelated to your hospice diagnosis, Medicare A/B and Medicaid will continue to provide their routine benefits including physician visits.%u2022 Hospitalization**: Respite and acute hospital admissions are available to you as indicated in your plan of care. Samaritan contracts with specific hospitals and nursing homes for these services. If you think hospitalization is necessary, please call Samaritan first.%u2022 Medical testing and procedures: You should review all anticipated treatment with your hospice nurse before having them done. If not related to your hospice diagnosis, you may be responsible for the charges.%u2022 A sliding scale is available.