Frequently Asked Questions About Care

Not at all. None of us knows with certainty how much time anyone has, and hope is universal to all people. Rather, Kansas City Hospice’s role is to provide care to maximize comfort, assist with emotional and spiritual issues, and support the whole family, for however much time remains. The point of hospice is to make a time of illness also a time of peace and comfort, bringing a lifeline of support.

Much of the care that is needed consists of things that family members can easily do. But our staff visit frequently and provide care and guidance to make this possible. The Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care staff spend time teaching families how to handle the patient’s needs, give medications and recognize problems. Medications and treatments are kept as “low-tech” as possible, to make it easier for the patient and family to live more normally.

Staff are available on call 24 hours a day to help deal with changes in the patient’s condition. Our nurse on call will answer your questions or make a visit at any time of the day or night if needed. Most families who have been through the experience were glad that they were able to provide care themselves at this important time in life.

Only if the patient wants to talk about death and dying. Above all, we respect that this is the patient’s own journey, and that everyone does this in their own way. Some hospice patients choose to have very open discussions with our staff; others do not. In no way do we force conversation about any subject.

Having a DNR is not a requirement. In fact, regulations prohibit hospices from requiring DNR orders. If a patient wants to be resuscitated if his or her heart stops, the Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care team helps caregivers know what to do.

Sometimes this occurs, and when it does, the patient may decide to go back into some type of treatment aimed to cure the disease or slow the disease process, or he or she may be stable enough to be discharged from hospice care. The patient has the right to discontinue services at any time for any reason.

Receiving hospice is completely the patient’s choice, and it may be discontinued based on the patient’s wishes. The patient simply informs us, and we will assist with any needed arrangements. Patients who are discharged from hospice because they are clearly getting better and no longer meet the eligibility requirements can be readmitted later if needed.

Services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance policies. As a nonprofit organization, Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care serves all in need, regardless of their financial resources. We will help you figure out your insurance coverage or the need for assistance.

The most common comment we receive from families is, “I wish we’d started earlier.” In general, care can begin when the prognosis is in months, rather than years. We encourage earlier admission because it can make the course of care easier for the patient and family.

For patients not ready for hospice, the Palliative Home Care program may be helpful. The Palliative Home Care team serves patients who are in treatment aimed at cure, who are waiting for a transplant or other aggressive therapy, or who prefer the flexibility of palliative care.

Yes, we will help arrange for oxygen, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and other equipment or supplies. Sometimes this equipment is covered through a hospice insurance benefit, such as with Medicare. Other times it is provided as a separate benefit in insurance plans. In either case, we will help assure the patient has what is needed.

Yes. Many patients who live alone receive Kansas City Hospice or Palliative Home Care services. Staff work with patients to help them maintain independence and will help the patient consider other options if needed.

If the patient cannot eat or drink, we will provide the patient and family information about their choices. Our staff can help the patient and family weigh the benefits and burdens of giving food and fluids artificially. For more information, click here to download our booklet Decisions About Artificial Food and Fluids, part of the Safe Passage series.

Yes. Most patients continue to have their regular doctor. We keep the doctor informed about the patient’s condition and contact him or her for new prescriptions when needed. If the patient has no physician, one of Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care’s can become the patient’s physician.

The social worker can help families make these arrangements. Staff also come at the time of death to support family members and to be with them when the funeral home arrives.