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Blue Water Hospice
Hospice is a special kind of program designed to provide comprehensive, holistic, end-of-life care. Patients and families facing a terminal illness receive services which focus on comfort measures and emotional support. Hospice provides physical care and expertise in pain and symptom control. In addition, it also addresses the emotional, social, psychological and spiritual needs of the patient and family. All services are provided under the direction of the attending physician and the hospice medical director.
Hospice provides support and care for individuals in the final phase of an incurable disease. This makes it possible for the patient and loved ones to spend final days together, surrounded by familiar sights and sounds. After death, we offer ongoing support for family and friends.
Available Services:
Physician Services
Provided by the patient’s physician and the hospice medical director, assuring the continuity of care, 24 hours/day
Registered Nurse
Skilled nursing care with focus on expertise in pain and symptom management.
Medical Social Worker
Assessment of the psychosocial needs of the patient and family. Provides counseling and support for coping with end-of-life issues. Referral assistance to community resources.
Spiritual Counselor
Spiritual support as desired by hospice chaplain or communication with patient’s church.
Home Care Aide/Homemaker
Certified home care aide to provide personal and respite care and light housekeeping.
Bereavement Counselor
Counselor specially trained in grief and loss care; available to family members for a minimum of 13 months after death of patient. Support groups are available to community residents.
Volunteers
Trained volunteers available to provide a variety of services to patient and family, including direct care, transportation, housekeeping, respite care, errands, etc.
Therapists
Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy available to assist patient in maintaining maximum level of independence, communication and feeding/swallowing problems
Medications
Medications for symptom management, related to the terminal illness, are covered by the hospice program.
Medical Equipment
Equipment and medical supplies, related to the terminal illness, are covered by the hospice program.
Inpatient and Respite Care
Available for short term care in the hospital. This service will be available at the new Hospice Home.
24 –Hour On Call Services
24-Hour on-call service with an RN available to make a visit to your home, or phone consultation 24 hours a day 7 days a week at no charge to you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should a decision to have hospice be made?
When treatments are no longer effective, a cure is no longer possible or the patient wants to have comfort care, the hospice staff can speak with you about your options.
How is hospice care different from regular home health care?
Hospice care provides:
- Comfort care versus curative care
- Patient does not have to be “homebound”
- Physical, psychosocial, spiritual and grief support are provided by the hospice team
- Patient and family is the unit of care. Focus is on all those involved in the care, or affected by the illness
- Expertise in pain and symptom control is provided by specially trained nurses
- Grief support is provided from admission, to a minimum of 13 months after the loss of the loved one
Should I wait for my physician to advise me of hospice care?
No. Patients should feel free to discuss health care options at any time with their physician.
Do I have to give up my insurance or my physician to have hospice care?
No. Your insurance continues for all disease processes. Blue Water Hospice encourages you to continue using your physician. In fact, your physician becomes part of the team in providing your care.
Is hospice care only for Cancer patients?
No. Hospice care is for all end-stage-disease processes.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care is provided wherever you live.
Must someone be with the patient in their home?
Only when it becomes unsafe for the patient to be alone.
What if the patient gets better?
Patients are evaluated ongoing. When a patient is improving, or the illness becomes “stable”, the patient may be discharged. If their condition declines, hospice care can be resumed.
How is hospice paid for?
Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare for all persons with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Other Private Insurances. No one is denied care due to an inability to pay.
How do I make a referral?
- Call Blue Water Hospice
- Ask the attending physician
- Speak with the discharge planner at the hospital before discharge
How do I get involved?
Call Blue Water Hospice to become a volunteer.
1-810-982-8809
1-800-959-4131
Contact Us:
Visiting Nurse Association & Blue Water Hospice
1430 Military St., Suite A
Port Huron, MI 48060
Email: wdupuy@vnabwh.com
Fax: 1-810-984-1612
Phone: 1-810-984-4131
1-800-959-4131
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.