Does hospice mean giving up hope?
Absolutely not! None of us knows with certainty how much time anyone has, and hope is universal to all people. Rather, the role of Coastal Hospice is to provide care to maximize comfort, assist with emotional and spiritual issues, and support the whole family, for however much time remains. The point of hospice is to make a time of illness also a time of peace and comfort, bringing a lifeline of support.

How can family members take care of a very ill patient, when they are not trained professionals?
Much of the care that is needed consists of things that family members can easily do. But our team visits frequently and provides care and guidance to make this possible. Our staff spends time teaching families how to handle the patient's needs, give medications and recognize problems.

We are available 24 hours a day a day to answer your questions or make a visit any time as needed. Contact us at 410-742-8732 or by email.

Does hospice talk to the patient about death and dying?
We only talk about death and dying if the patient wants to talk about it. Above all, we respect that this is the patient's own journey, and that everyone does this in an individual way. Some hospice patients choose to have very open discussions with our staff; others do not.

Do patients need a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) to be a hospice patient?
Having a DNR is not a requirement; it is recommended, however. The hospice team can discuss this with you further. If a patient wants to be resuscitated if his or her heart stops, Coastal Hospice helps caregivers know what to do.

What happens if a hospice patient seems to be getting better?
Research confirms that hospice patients live longer; we know that quality of life is better than that of patients who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness that are not in hospice care. Sometimes the patient gets better. When this happens, he or she may decide to go back into some type of treatment aimed to cure the disease or slow the disease process, or he or she may become stable enough to be discharged from hospice care.

Receiving hospice is completely the patient's choice and it may be discontinued based on the patient's wishes. The patient simply informs us and we will assist with any needed arrangements. Patients who are discharged from hospice because they are clearly getting better and no longer meet the eligibility requirements can be readmitted later if needed.

How are services paid for?
Patients can be confident that payment and insurance issues will not create additional stress for them when they enter the Coastal Hospice program. We do everything possible to eliminate paperwork and confusion so that patients and families can focus on other, more important end-of-life issues.

Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance policies cover hospice. As a nonprofit organization, Coastal Hospice serves all in need, regardless of their financial resources. Our staff will work with insurers to see that patient obtains any and all benefits available to them for their terminal illness.

When should hospice care begin?
The most common comment we receive from families is, "I wish we had hospice sooner." In general, care can begin when the prognosis is in months, rather than years. If you think you might benefit, please call us at 410-742-7878 or complete a referral form and we'll contact you. We encourage earlier admission so that the patient and family can be comforted when they need it most.

Can you help with oxygen and other medical equipment?
Yes, we will help arrange for oxygen, hospital beds, wheelchairs, and other equipment or supplies. We will make sure the patient has what is needed.

Can a patient who lives alone receive care?
Yes. Many patients who live alone receive Coastal Hospice services. Staff work with patients to help them maintain independence and will help the patient consider other options as needed.

What if the patient cannot eat or drink?
If the patient cannot eat or drink, we will provide the patient and family information about their choices. Our staff can help the patient and family weigh the benefits and burdens of giving food and fluids artificially.

Do I keep my own doctor?
Yes. Most patients continue to have their regular doctor. We keep the doctor informed about the patient's condition and contact him or her for new prescriptions when needed. If the patient has no physician, a doctor on the Coastal Hospice staff can step in.

Can Coastal Hospice help with funeral arrangements?
Yes. Coastal Hospice supports patients and those who love them. We are here to help with the practical and the emotional needs of the family.