Q: What is hospice?
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.

Q: Who refers patients to hospice?

A: Referrals to Hospice of Oklahoma County may be initiated by a medical professional, community agent, friend, family member, or the patient by calling (405) 848-8884. A hospice admission 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.

Q: Will the patient be allowed to retain his or her personal doctor?

A: Yes. Because the patient remains at home, no change is required. Hospice staff coordinates all care and medication with the patient’s physician.

Q: Will insurance cover hospice? What will it cost?

A: Some insurance plans cover hospice care. You will need to check with your plan to see what it covers.

Q: Does hospice have a paid staff?

A: Hospice of Oklahoma County has a staff of health care professionals and office personnel, all paid, as well as a large volunteer force that augments the professional staff.

Q: Can the patient be admitted to the hospital?

A: Hospice of Oklahoma County can provide care in the hospital for respite care or symptom management.

Q: Where are hospice services provided?

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, hospital and other long term care facilities.

Q: If a patient doesn’t have a full-time caregiver, can hospice help?

A: This situation should be discussed with our staff, as other alternatives may be available.

Q: Primary caregiver….What does that mean?

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.

Q: Is hospice care only for cancer patients?

A: Cancer patients account for about 60 percent of our cases. Hospice of Oklahoma County also provides care for end-stage heart, lung and renal diseases, AIDS, Alzheimer’s and other life-limiting diseases.

Q: Interdisciplinary Hospice Team… what does that mean?

A: The hospice team consists of the following: A medical director, certified hospice and palliative care nurses (CHPN), master's level social workers, certified home health aides, trained hospice volunteers, certified chaplains and bereavment counselors. An individual plan of care is developed by the team and evaluated regularly to assure quality care is provided.

Q: Is hospice care for certain people?

A: Hospice of Oklahoma County provides services to eligible patients of any age, religion, race or terminal illness.

Q: Is there a separate program for children?

A: Hospice of Oklahoma County staff are trained to care for the special needs of the pediatric patient and their family.

Q: What about AIDS patients? Does hospice provide services to those patients?

A: Hospice is committed to providing care to appropriate AIDS patients who want hospice services.

Q: Our family has not established religious contacts….Can hospice help?

A: Hospice has clergy staff available to minister directly or to assist in locating a church of the patient’s chosen faith.

Q: Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?

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.

Q: What exactly do volunteers do for Hospice of Oklahoma County?

A: Many things! There are opportunities for volunteers to work in the home setting with patients and caregivers or in the office. Volunteers also help with our fundraising activities and yearly events. Go to the Volunteering page to learn more.

Q: Can anyone in hospice help our family adjust to our loss?

A: There is a full-time bereavement counselor to offer assistance and support during a time of bereavement. Hospice of Oklahoma County follows families for 13 months after the loss of a loved one.

Q: Did our loved one have to receive hospice care for us to utilize the bereavement services?

A: No. Our bereavement program is 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 bereavement program.

Q: We have never handled a death in the family. How will we know what to do?

A: Hospice counselors can offer guidance and support when it’s time to plan and make decisions.

Q: Can the family reach hospice staff during the night and weekends, if necessary?

A: Nursing, counseling and chaplain staff can be reached for emergencies at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the answering service.

Q: Are there hospice programs in other places in the U.S.?

A: There are hospice programs in almost every state. Hospice of Oklahoma County can assist if information is needed for families in other locations.

Q: Does Hospice of Oklahoma County have a residential facility?

A: As this time we do not; however, plans to develop a residential facility are underway. Read more about these plans and how you can support the Hospice House on this website.

Q: How is hospice financed and how are funds raised?

A: Hospice of Oklahoma County receives payment from Medicare, private insurance, HMO's, and other managed care organizations. Hospice of Oklahoma County relies on the generosity of others through United Way designated donations (#7041), 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.