Does signing on with hospice mean that the person has given up?
Hospice is about approaching life with hope and spending time and energy on life’s most important issues and with the people you love. Patients can sign off hospice care at any time for a course of new curative treatments and then return later if needed.
Does Madrona Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
We do not speed up or slow down the dying process.
Does a person need to sign a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order to be cared for by Madrona Hospice?
No, a DNR is not a requirement for hospice care.
Once a patient is on Madrona Hospice services, do they keep their same Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
Yes, if the patient would like to and the PCP is agreeable. If the PCP does not wish to follow their patient onto hospice services, our Medical Director will also serve as the PCP.
Are hospice services limited to cancer patients?
No; the hospice benefit covers all types of terminal illnesses.
When should a decision be made about entering hospice care?
Anytime during a life-limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. The decision belongs to the patient.
How does hospice “manage pain”?
Hospice nurses and doctors are up-to-date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. It is our goal to get patients who are admitted with pain to an acceptable level within 24 hours of admission.