Hospice Care
971-202-5501
hospice@housecallproviders.org
Not in the Portland Metro Area? Call 844-GET-NPHI Or click here
Considering hospice care?
Have you or a family member been told to consider hospice as a next step in your plan of care? Are you curious about what services and support are available to you or a loved one when you enroll in hospice care?
To assist in understanding this hospice benefit, our Portland area nonprofit hospice clinical team created the video What is hospice? to answer many of the questions that people have about this end-of-life care.
In the video above, you’ll lean about the:
- History of hospice
- Hospice philosophy
- Hospice team members (disciplines) that support a patient’s end-of-life care
- Services and supplies
Hospice care is covered 100% by Medicare and Medicaid. Some private insurances may require a copay or coinsurance.
NHPCO Four Rings recipient
Housecall Providers Hospice has achieved a remarkable recognition by earning all four rings in the 2023 Quality Connections program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). This outstanding achievement places Housecall Providers Hospice among the top providers of high-quality, person-centered hospice and palliative care in Oregon.
Quality Connections stands as the sole national program specifically designed to support hospice and palliative care providers in delivering exceptional, patient-focused care. Housecall Providers Hospice now proudly joins the elite ranks as one of only two hospices in the state of Oregon to reach this notable accomplishment.
When to enter hospice?
Hospice is a benefit for patients whose life expectancy is six months or less. If patients live longer than expected, they can sometimes remain eligible for hospices services for longer than six months. Too often referrals for hospice care are not made until the patient has uncontrolled symptoms or is near death. Although hospice care can do much to assist and provide care at this time, patients who are able to be enrolled in hospice for at least two to three months benefit by developing deep relationships with their hospice team and focusing on their quality of life.
Surveys show that both patients and families are more satisfied the longer a patient receives hospice services as quality of life can be greatly enhanced by early intervention.
Hospice can be considered whenever someone is in the advanced stages of any of the following progressive illnesses:
Conditions
Conditions
Heart disease, including Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Keeping you comfortable, in balance, and at home.
Patients experiencing heart failure and other cardiac problems often spend considerable time in the hospital. At some point, going back to the hospital may no longer provide benefit or enhance quality of life. If that time comes, your hospice team can help you manage your medications, diet, and lifestyle in a way that makes sense and helps you feel as good as possible, for as long as possible. Diuretics (water pills) and other cardiac medications are often continued as part of hospice care and can be adjusted in consultation with your hospice team without leaving the comfort of your home.
Lung disease including Congestive Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis
Managing shortness of breath and anxiety to maximize your quality of life.
For many patients with lung disease, shortness of breath and anxiety become so closely linked, it’s impossible to separate one from another. Not being able to breath comfortably has an enormous impact on quality of life. Managing these symptoms effectively requires a comprehensive approach integrating oxygen, medications, and psychosocial support. Your hospice team will take the time to understand your symptoms and will work with you to find the plan and medicines that will help you feel as good as possible, for as long as possible.
Cancer
Walking the journey with you.
Each person’s cancer journey is unique. Many times, patients experiencing cancer come to hospice after months or years of intensive, high-tech medical care. If the time comes when a cure is no longer possible, comprehensive care doesn’t stop—it shifts focus to quality of life and making the most of each moment. Our hospice providers bring specialized training and years of experience managing the symptoms of advanced cancer, including complex pain, to keep you comfortable and at ease. We will work closely with your oncologist to guarantee a smooth transition and ensure that all your needs are met.
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Vascular Dementia
A team to support you and your loved one.
Caregivers for people experiencing dementia have sometimes described their journey as, “losing a loved one, piece by piece.” Caregiving needs in dementia can be prolonged and place tremendous stress on the whole family and social network. Your hospice team will be there to support you throughout this process, no matter what changes and challenges are to come. Our social workers can help identify caregiving resources, navigate financial issues, and mediate family conflict, while our medical team will ensure that the right medications provide the greatest benefit while causing the least burden to you and your loved one.
Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), stroke
Solid support, no matter what changes come.
Families and caregivers for patients with neurologic diseases sometimes describe feeling like the ground is always moving under them…as soon as they adapt to one change in their loved one, a new symptom or challenge arises and the whole process begins again. Your hospice team will be with you through whatever is to come, to provide support for you and your family, and comfort and respectful care for your loved one.
Symptoms that might otherwise require a hospitalization or an emergency room visit can often be successfully managed by the hospice team in the patient’s home.
What type of care and support should I expect as a hospice patient of Housecall Providers?
Treatment of your symptoms and maintaining your comfort is the foundation of our care. Hospice-trained physicians and nurses are available 24/7 to ensure your needs are met, no matter what time of day or night they occur.
Committed and highly-experienced medical social workers to help patients and their families navigate planning for end-of-life care, understand their treatment plan and be vocal about their needs and how to manage the stresses of debilitating physical illnesses. Hospice social workers are advocates for patients and their families and know what their patients need and what resources are available to help them within and outside of hospice settings.
Spiritual counselors who provide emotional and spiritual support for you and your whole family, and a bereavement program to help loved ones as they journey through the grieving process.
Compassionate hospice aides that work with you to develop a weekly plan to assist with physical aspects of care such as baths and personal hygiene.
The hospice team will collaborate with you and your caregiver about what is important to you and work with the team to develop an individual plan of care that addresses your physician, emotional, and spiritual needs
How to start hospice care
Anyone can contact Housecall Providers Hospice to request a free evaluation from our clinical staff to see if hospice is the right option for you or a loved one. When you and your doctor decide you would like to receive hospice care, a referral is made. Usually, the method for starting hospice care is as follows:
- The person’s primary care provider or specialist and the hospice medical director confirm that the person meets hospice criteria.
- The individual and family select a hospice.
- A hospice team member will review the details with you and confirm eligibility .
Call our hospice office at 971-202-5501 to request an introductory visit.
