Hospice – What Is It

 

Clearwater County Nursing Service oversees three areas of health care in Clearwater County. They are the local Public Health Department for the county. Nursing Service provides Public Health, Home Care, and Hospice, which also includes home health care, to the residents of Clearwater County. 

“Hospice Care is provided to offer the patient, or client, 'dignity with dying,'” Marissa Hetland, Nursing Service Director for Clearwater County says. 

According to the Clearwater County website, Hospice is a concept of care, not a place. Hospice exists to affirm and improve the quality of life for persons in the last stages of an incurable disease. Hospice Care is a way of caring for and comforting the dying person and family so the person might live each day to the fullest. 

It also says the patient must be diagnosed as having a progressive terminal condition. The patient and family know the patient's condition and consent to hospice care. 

“A doctor must recommend Hospice Care. The doctor would not prescribe hospice care unless there is nothing more to be done for the client,” Marissa says “The patient is no longer seeking treatment and there is a prognosis of six months or less to live when the doctor recommends Hospice. Hospice can continue for longer if needed. 

“A patient or family member can ask the doctor about it. The patient can't continue to seek a cure once they sign up for Hospice, but they can revoke it if they change their mind. It's very hard for the patient and family,” Marissa says. “Sometimes the family wants the patient to continue seeking treatment, but the patient may be  tired and doesn't want to. Sometimes Hospice is not recommended soon enough,” she says. 

The Hospice volunteer is the heart and soul of the Hospice Care Team, who acts as a friend and a good listener. Volunteers are specially trained to provide services that assist and support the patient and family. They can also provide services for the patient and family to make this time easier, such as shopping, preparing meals, running errands, writing letters, reading, light housekeeping, and limited childcare.

Hospice volunteers provide services such as home visits, assisting with doctor visits, relieving family members for short periods of time, and serving as a liaison between the patient and family, the site continues.

Clearwater Hospice began in 1984 as a community based volunteer organization. In 1995, in order to meet increasing community needs and to maintain and expand its services, Hospice joined with Clearwater County Nursing Services. As of June 8 2005 Clearwater Hospice became a Medicare certified Hospice program. Dr. Esther Potti at Sanford is the Medical Director of Clearwater Hospice.

“Clearwater County is different because there are not many counties with Hospice and Home Care. We are very proud of that because we still go to the very rural areas to provide care. Reimbursement is very poor through medicare and insurance, especially medical assistance and waiver programs,” Marissa says. 

- What are the services Hospice provides, and how is it different from what Nursing Service does?

Hospice care is a team effort. We provide Skilled Nursing, Home Health Aide (personal care), Respite care, Chaplain, Social Worker, Volunteers, and Bereavement services to hospice clients and their families. Medical care, pain management, emotional and spiritual support are provided for the patient and their family and are tailored to each client's individual needs and wishes. 

- How does one become eligible to use Hospice Care services? Does a doctor have to recommend it? 

Anyone can refer a client for hospice but doctor's orders are required to initiate and provide care. To be eligible for Hospice a client has to have a terminal condition which means that they have a prognosis of 6 months or less. The focus of care is on quality of life and comfort. 

- How long is Hospice Care provided for an individual patient on average? 

It varies greatly and depends on how early the client is referred to hospice and how their condition progresses. A patient can request hospice for their self.

- How would someone get involved and become a volunteer for Hospice? Are more volunteers needed?

We have a training program that volunteers need to complete. Yes, we could use more volunteers and are planning a class in the next few months. Call the Clearwater County Nursing Service at 694-6581 for more information.  

Anyone can call the nursing service if they have questions regarding hospice care. 

“We take donations and have fundraisers throughout the year to assist us in being able to provide all these services. Our next fundraiser will be our annual golf scramble and will be held in August or September.”

~ “I just want people to know what a special thing hospice is. It enables people to be in their own home and die with dignity. Clearwater County Nursing Service takes great pride in being able to provide this service. We have an excellent group of caring and dedicated staff and volunteers who go the extra mile, which is something you don't find that much anymore!” ~

Marissa Hetland