Frequently asked questions about hospice services.
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding hospice care and INTEGRIS Health Hospice Services.
A: Patient-focused care is the cornerstone of hospice care. Hospice and palliative care involve a team-oriented approach to medical care, expert pain management, emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. Support is provided to the patient's loved ones as well.
A: Referrals to the INTEGRIS Health hospice program may be initiated by a medical professional, community agent, friend, family member, or the patient by calling 405-848-8884. A nurse will consult with the patient, family and primary care physician to assess whether hospice care is appropriate and desired upon receiving a request for services.
A: Yes. If the patient remains at home, no change is required. Hospice staff coordinates all care and medication with the patient’s physician. If the patient goes to the INTEGRIS Hospice House there is a Medical Director who oversees the patient's care.
A: Hospice care is covered under Medicare, most private insurance plans, HMOs and other managed care organizations.
A: INTEGRIS Health Hospice Services has a staff of health care professionals and office personnel, all paid, as well as a large volunteer force that augments the professional staff.
A: The INTEGRIS Hospice House is another option for hospice patients and families. There are primarily two levels of care provided in this facility, in-patient and respite care. Call the hospice office for an evaluation.
A: The majority of hospice patients are cared for in their own home or the home of a loved one. "Home" may also include: a nursing home, assisted living, and the INTEGRIS Hospice House.
A: This situation should be discussed with our staff, as other alternatives may be available
A: A primary caregiver is someone who will monitor the patient’s care at home, administering medications, providing meals and meeting the personal care needs of the patient.
A: Cancer patients account for the majority of our patients. The INTEGRIS Health hospice services also provide care for end-stage heart, lung and renal diseases, neurological and other life-limiting diseases.
A: The hospice team consists of the following: Hospice and Palliative Care medical directors, hospice nurse case managers, social workers, home health aides, hospice volunteers, chaplains and bereavement counselors. An individual plan of care is developed by the team and evaluated regularly to assure quality care is provided.
A: INTEGRIS Health Hospice provides services to eligible patients of any age, religion, race or terminal illness.
A: INTEGRIS Hospice staff are trained to care for the special needs of the pediatric patient and their family.
A: Hospice is committed to providing care to appropriate AIDS patients who want hospice services.
A: Hospice has clergy staff available to minister directly or to assist in locating a church of the patient’s chosen faith.
A: If improvement in the condition occurs and the disease seems to be in remission, the patient can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on about his or her daily life. If a discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.
A: Many things! There are opportunities for volunteers to work in the home setting with patients and caregivers or at the INTEGRIS Hospice House. Go to the "Volunteer Experience" page to learn more.
A: Qualified staff are available to offer assistance and support during a time of bereavement. INTEGRIS Health Hospice follows families for 13 months after the loss of a loved one.
A: No. Our grief groups are available to the community. Grief groups are held throughout the metro Oklahoma City area. Call the hospice office at 405-848-8884 to inquire about our grief group locations and times.
A: Hospice staff can offer guidance and support when it’s time to plan and make decisions.
A: Nursing and chaplain staff can be reached for emergencies at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the answering service.
A: There are hospice programs in almost every state. INTEGRIS Health Hospice can assist if information is needed for families in other locations.
A: Yes, the INTEGRIS Hospice House provides the latest trend in patient centered health care that also nurtures and supports the family in a twelve bed inpatient facility with a home like atmosphere.
A: The INTEGRIS Health hospice program receives payment from Medicare, private insurance, HMO's, and other managed care organizations. INTEGRIS Health Hospice and the INTEGRIS Hospice House also relies on the generosity of others through donations and memorials. These gifts are used to help cover the cost of those patients who do not have the financial resources to pay for hospice services.
