Family members, friends, health care professionals, or patients may request Hospice of Orleans services. Although all patients must have a physician's approval for admission into the program, the initial referral can come directly from someone close to the patient. Each situation is assessed on the patient's individual basis to determine the suitability for admission.
- Limited life expectancy
- Desire for palliative rather than curative care
- Residency in Orleans County, New York
- Physician's approval
- Coordination with patient's physician
- Highest skill level of nursing
- 24-hour on-call service
- Counseling support for patients and their family members
- Personal care by home health aides
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Medication
- Volunteer support
- Respite care
- Bereavement support
- Spiritual support
- Music Therapy Program (see page 11 of newsletter)
- Other Therapy services
Hospice services are available to everyone. Hospice of Orleans is certified to seek reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance companies. The primary physician continues to directly bill the insurance company. Patients who do not have private health insurance are still eligible for Hospice care. Hospice of Orleans will work with the patient and family to develop a reimbursement plan.