Bluebonnet Hospice

Hospice care refers to the special attention needed by patients in the late stages of a terminal illness. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death. Hospice care differs from other forms of health care in that not only does it address the needs of the patient, but also the needs of his or her family.

Qualifying for hospice care requires the patient’s physician to certify a life expectancy of six months or less “if the patient’s disease runs its natural course.” Patients can continue to be eligible if they live beyond six months as their disease process continues.

Palliative Care

To palliate means to make comfortable by treating a person’s symptoms from an illness. Hospice and palliative care focus on comforting the patient by addressing issues causing physical and emotional pain. The goals of Bluebonnet Hospice care are to improve the quality of life for the seriously ill patient and to support his or her loved ones during and after treatment.

Hospice Services, Personnel and Disciplines

Bluebonnet Hospice provides care through an interdisciplinary team to ensure the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of our patients are achieved. Hospice Personnel Providing care include:

• Medical Director
• Hospice Nurses
• Wound Care Specialist
• Hospice Home Care Aides
• Social Workers
• Chaplains
• Therapists
• Nutritionists
• Volunteers
• Pharmacy
• DME

Four Levels of Hospice Care

Hospice patients may require differing intensities of care during the course of their illness. Bluebonnet Hospice provides the four levels of care defined by Medicare:

Routine Home Care

As long as the patient’s symptoms are under control the hospice team supports the caregivers in providing this level of care in the home setting, whether that is a private residence, assisted living or long-term care facility, such as a nursing home.

Continuous Home Care

Care can be provided in the home for longer periods, up to 24 hours per day, in the event of the development of acute medical symptoms. Continuous home care requires a minimum of eight hours of assistance with at least half provided by a skilled nurse.

Inpatient Respite Care

Caregivers occasionally need to take short breaks to maintain their own health. In this instance, the patient can be transferred to an inpatient facility for a short-team stay (up to five days) while the caregiver takes a break.

General Inpatient Care

When symptoms can’t be controlled in a home setting, the patient can be moved to an inpatient center for a short-team stay until the patient’s conditions is under control.

One of the most difficult tasks we face is dealing with the loss of someone we love. Bluebonnet Hospice Bereavement Counselors continue to support the family for at least 13 months after the death of the loved one services and other support.

Medications

All medications relating to the patient’s terminal illness are provided by hospice.

Durable Medical Equipments

Wheelchairs, hospital beds, shower chairs, walkers and other necessary medical equipment are provided to ensure comfort for the patient.

Who pays for Hospice Services?

Hospice care is reimbursed through Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance plans. Medicare and Medicaid will continue to provide their normal benefits for care unrelated to the patient’s primary diagnosis.

Bluebonnet Hospice is fully licensed by the Texas Department of Health and certified by Medicare and Medicaid.

To receive hospice care, please ask your doctor for a referral  or contact Bluebonnet Hospice directly. Patient/client services are provided without  regard to race, color, creed, sex, handicap or place of origin.

We will be pleased to discuss our services with you, your family and your physician.
To learn more about Bluebonnet Hospice services:
East Texas : (903) 561-7751
Denton : (940) 458-9172
Waco : (254) 751-1790

Bluebonnet Hospice
Specialized care for patients and their loved ones during life’s final journey.