CompassionCare Hospice Services
Referring a Patient
Anyone—a minister, parish nurse, rabbi, friend, or even a next-door neighbor—can make the first call to CompassionCare Hospice. The initial referral does not have to come from a doctor or social worker. Often the patient’s family or friends make the first call.
Before actual admission, however, the physician must certify that the patient is medically appropriate for hospice care. CompassionCare Hospice contacts the physician to obtain this verification.
Then, by law, the decision belongs to the patient.
Early Referral = Better Quality of Life
The earlier a patient is referred, the more we can do to help. Sadly, many people believe that hospice care is unavailable or inappropriate until literally, the last days of a person’s life.
A great deal can be done, however, many months earlier to improve quality of life. CompassionCare Hospice can provide:
- Expert pain and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support to patient and loved ones
- Assistance in organizing a patient’s personal affairs
- Help in how to talk about the many difficult issues that arise at end-of-life
- Help in dealing with unresolved issues that block communication
- Support for the caregiver
Another important benefit of early referral: Because we can do so much more, the patient enjoys better quality of life, resulting in more presence of mind with which to consider difficult choices and make wishes known to loved ones. This relieves loved ones from having to wrestle with difficult decisions on their own.
