The History of Hospice
Hospice is a specialized, holistic way of caring for those whose lives are measured in months, weeks or days. It was first started in the Middle Ages when religious orders established “hospices” where those who were traveling to shrines seeking a miraculous cure for an illness could rest. Many of the travelers died while on their pilgrimage, but during their travels they found a place that offered dignity and comfort.
The modern day hospice movement began in England in 1967. Dr. Cicely Saunders, a young physician was not happy with the reality that so many patients had to suffer with pain before being given effective pain management. As a nurse and social worker, Dr. Saunders also was acutely aware that there were other issues her patients were dealing with in addition to pain. These included spiritual and psychological suffering along with the pain the family was experiencing. Thus, Dr. Saunders opened St. Christopher’s Hospice in London.
In 1974, New Haven Hospice in Connecticut was opened. This was the first hospice program in the United States. There are now more than 3,000 hospices and palliative care programs in the U.S.
Hospice Services of Southwest General started in 1987. In 2003, Southwest General opened the doors and accepted the first patient into The Thomas P. Perciak Family Residential Hospice. The residential center accommodates 10 patients in beautiful, private rooms.
An Explanation of Hospice
Hospice care is a philosophy of care. The hospice philosophy accepts death as a final stage in life. The goal of hospice is to enable patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice affirms life and does not hasten or postpone death. Hospice care treats the person rather than the disease; it focuses on quality, rather than length, of life.
Hospice care is directed to the whole person, addressing physical needs while supporting each person’s right to maintain independence, meaning and dignity during the final months, weeks or days of life. Hospice is available for any person who is struggling with a terminal illness or a chronic illness that has a life-limiting prognosis. Hospice care focuses on the patient’s needs for comfort and independence while supporting the family in their role in caregiving.
Description of Our Services
Hospice Services of Southwest General is a JCAHO-accredited hospice provider and a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Hospice care takes place in multiple settings. The Hospice Services team consists of physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care coordinators, bereavement coordinators and volunteers. Hospice care is available 24 hours a day.
Program Eligibility
Many patients and families struggle with the question, “When is hospice care appropriate?” It is appropriate when:
• Cure is not possible, and there is a limited life expectancy (usually six months or less)
• The goal of the patient and family is comfort and quality of life
• Further aggressive treatment to prolong life is no longer helpful
Paying for Hospice
Family members may wonder, “How is hospice paid for? What is included in the hospice cost?” The following is some helpful information:
Medicare/Medicaid: As a partnering Medicare hospice agency, Hospice Services of Southwest General accepts both Medicare and Medicaid payments as payment in full for hospice services for qualified patients. Patients who qualify for covered Part A Medicare hospice services will not be billed for these services. Hospice Services bills Medicare directly and accepts Medicare reimbursement as payment in full.
Commercial and/or Private Insurance: Hospice Services will verify your insurance benefit coverage for hospice care; bill your insurance company; and work with your insurance company to obtain pre-authorization, when required. It is each patient’s responsibility to know and understand his or her benefit coverage plan. The statements made via phone from your insurance company do not guarantee that the services will be covered. Claims submitted to third-party payers are generally subject to medical review after billing has been completed. Patients are responsible for payment of co-pays, deductibles, and/or non-covered services, which will be billed after the insurance company(ies) have made payment.
Items NOT Covered by Hospice:
- Drugs, treatments and medical supplies not related to the terminal illness.
- Television, telephone in the room, guest trays, if utilizing inpatient unit at the Southwest General. Television and telephone are included in the daily rate at the Thomas P. Perciak Family Residential Hospice.
- Lab, X-ray services, and other procedures not related to the terminal illness and/or authorized by Hospice Services.
- Admission to any Emergency Room (ER) or hospital without authorization of Hospices Services.
Hospice Services’ published charges for 2010 are available upon request.
Pharmaceuticals, Medical supplies and Durable Medical Equipment: When related to your hospice diagnosis all will be provided by Hospice Services of Southwest General and delivered to your place of residence.
Location of Hospice Care
Hospice care takes place wherever the patient lives.
Hospice Services at Home: Specially trained hospice nurses and other professionals—hospice nursing aides, social workers, spiritual care and bereavement coordinators and volunteers—provide a personalized experience for the patient and family in the comfort of the patient’s home.
Hospice Service at Extended-Care Facilities/Nursing Homes: Working collaboratively with physicians and staff in extended-care facilities/nursing homes, hospice nurses, nurse aides and other support professionals can provide the same compassionate care that can be expected from hospice care in the home setting. This care is in addition to the care already offered by the staff of the facility, enhancing the support to the patient, family members visiting and caring about a love one in the facility.
Residential Hospice: In addition to the hospice services in patient homes and extended-care facilities/nursing homes, Southwest General offers The Thomas P. Perciak Family Residential Hospice. This beautiful 10-bed, home-like facility in Strongsville offers:
- Respite Care—When the family needs a break from care giving, the patient can stay at the residential center for up to five days, each month.
- Symptom Management—When a patient’s symptoms cannot be managed at home, the patient can be brought to the residential center where a specialized plan of care is tailored to address these symptoms. When the symptoms are managed, the team, along with the patient and family, decide the next step in the plan of care.
- Residential Care—Under this level of care patients are cared for in our home-like center when circumstances prevent them from returning home or to their previous place of residence. There is a registered nurse in the residential center at all times.
Contact Us
Hospice Services of Southwest General
18659 Drake Road
Strongsville, Ohio 44136
440-816-5040
440-816-5038 (fax)
hospicereferral@swgeneral.com
This site also is the location of The Thomas P. Perciak Family Residential Hospice.