Hospice is generally received at home. Simply put, hospice is all about enhancing the life of anyone with a life-limiting illness. Hospice never attempts to hasten or delay death. On the contrary, it’s built on the foundations of comfort, dignity, respect, and honoring an individual’s wishes. Hospice can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, and often comes into play when the focus has shifted away from curative treatment. Hospice is not a place; it’s a plan of care coordinated by a team of physicians, nurses, and other professionals.

Hospice services are available whenever comfort-focused support is needed, and no time limits are set by us at Holding Hands Hospice. Usually, hospice patients have a prognosis from a doctor of six months or less to live if the illness follows its expected course. Patients need to agree to focus on comfort rather than curative treatment, but if someone lives longer than expected, or if a patient decides they still want to continue receiving comfort care, hospice can continue.

No. Anyone with a life-limiting condition may receive hospice care in Little Elm, no matter their age.

Of course not. Our hospice care services in Little Elm, TX, help people live life better for as long as possible. If a patient’s health improves or they want to pursue curative treatment again, they are free to leave hospice at any time. A patient may also return to hospice for services if they feel the need.

Our support in Little Elm revolves around regular visits by physicians, nurses, and home health aides. However, we can provide 24-hour care for patients who need severe pain management or acute symptoms. For day-to-day support, most patients receive this from family members or private caregivers.

Yes. We provide hospice support to terminally ill patients wherever they live, whether it’s at home, in assisted living, a nursing facility, or another type of long-term care. Our team will work closely with staff at those facilities and all agreements will be laid out clearly so everyone is on the same page.

Private insurance companies and HMOs offer hospice benefits. Medicare for individuals age 65 years or older receive hospice benefits. A person with a prognosis of six months or less will receive full Medicaid benefits if they wish to participate in the Texas Medicaid Hospice Program. Under this program, patients electing hospice care agree to waive their rights to other Medicaid services that include treatments to cure their terminal illness. Consequently, patients may still receive other forms of treatment that are not related to their terminal medical condition.

Yes, it is possible. We are experienced in the management of pain and symptoms in a home setting. If problems become worse, family members or caregivers are always welcome to contact our hospice nurse, day or night, for emergency management. Our hospice uses current strategies to help patients with pain relief, as well as keeping symptoms under control. Adjustments will be made with the input of the doctor.

Yes, we offer grief programs that support family members and caregivers after a patient has passed away. Our Little Elm hospice grief services include personal visits, education on the grieving process, group meetings, and referrals for other professional support if necessary.