I thought this was needed! http://www.ashlandwi.com/articles/20...6502836804.txt

Many think hospice is where you go when there is nothing more a doctor can do.

Hospice is not where you go to die, rather hospice professionals are trained to assist patients in living their lives fully, completely, and without pain until the end of their lives.

Some think to be eligible for hospice, a person must be in the final stages of dying. The truth is hospice patients and families receive care for an unlimited amount of time, depending upon the course of the illness. There is no fixed limit on the amount of time a patient may continue to receive hospice services. Some think quality care at the end of life is very expensive. People eligible for Medicare pay little or nothing for hospice. For those ineligible for Medicare, most insurance plans, HMOs, and managed care plans cover hospice care. Less than one percent of Medicare beneficiaries live in an area where hospice is not available.

Hospice care is provided wherever the patient may be — in their own home or a family member's, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. Hospice is also provided in in-patient units, VA Hospitals, and some correctional facilities.

Family members are encouraged, supported, and trained by hospice professionals to care for their loved ones. Hospice staff is on call to the patient and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help family and friends care for their loved ones.

Fifty percent of hospice patients are diagnosed with conditions other than cancer or AIDS. Hospice is for anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age. Bereavement services and grief support are available to family members for up to one year after the death of a patient.

Locally hospice care is provided by Regional Hospice (715) 685-5151, located in the ground level of Memorial Medical Center in Ashland.

Regional Hospice, the patient, and their family develop, a unique care plan for each patient that includes nurses, home health aides, a physician, social worker, spiritual care coordinator, volunteer coordinator, massage therapist, and grief counselor. The team strives to anticipate needs, manage symptoms, and support caregivers.