When a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, families in Franklin County often find themselves navigating a complex and emotional journey. The decision to explore end-of-life care is profound, filled with questions about comfort, dignity, and support. Hospice is a philosophy of care centered on compassion, providing medical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients and their families, ensuring every moment matters.
This guide offers a clear overview of hospice services available in Franklin County, Ohio. We will explore what comprehensive hospice care includes, how it is covered by programs like Medicare, and how your family can access these essential services in communities from Columbus to Dublin and Westerville.
What Hospice Care Includes: A Compassionate Overview
Hospice is not about giving up; it’s about shifting the focus of care to comfort and quality of life. It’s a holistic approach that addresses the needs of the whole person and their family. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals who work together to create a personalized care plan.
In Columbus and throughout Franklin County, this comprehensive support system typically includes:
- Medical Care and Pain Management: A hospice physician and registered nurse work with the patient’s primary doctor to manage pain and other symptoms like shortness of breath or anxiety, ensuring the patient remains as comfortable as possible.
- Nursing and Home Health Aide Services: Skilled nurses provide regular visits to monitor the patient’s condition, while certified home health aides can assist with personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and daily activities.
- Emotional and Spiritual Support: Social workers, counselors, and chaplains are available to help patients and families navigate the emotional and spiritual challenges that arise, offering guidance and a compassionate presence.
- Bereavement Care: Support for the family doesn’t end when a loved one passes. Hospice provides grief counseling and support for family members for more than a year, helping them through the bereavement process.
- Medical Supplies and Equipment: Necessary medical equipment (like a hospital bed or oxygen) and supplies related to the terminal illness are typically covered and delivered to the home.
Serving Our Neighbors: ViaQuest in Franklin County
Finding local care from a team that understands your community is essential. ViaQuest Hospice is proud to serve families throughout Franklin County, providing compassionate, home-based care in Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, Hilliard, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Our commitment is to bring comfort, dignity, and peace to patients wherever they call home.
Understanding Coverage: Medicare and Medicaid in Ohio
Many families worry about the cost of end-of-life care, but it’s important to know that hospice is a covered benefit for most people. In Ohio, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage for hospice services when a doctor certifies that a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit is particularly robust, often covering 100% of the costs for the interdisciplinary team, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment, and supplies. Similarly, Ohio Medicaid offers a comprehensive hospice benefit, ensuring that financial concerns do not stand in the way of receiving compassionate care.
Comfort and Dignity at Home
The vast majority of hospice care is provided in the place the patient feels most comfortable—their home. This could be a private residence, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. Bringing care directly to the patient allows them to remain in a familiar, comforting environment, surrounded by the people and things they love. This focus on in-home support is a cornerstone of the hospice philosophy, promoting peace and a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.
How to Begin the Conversation in Franklin County
Accessing hospice care begins with a conversation. Anyone—a patient, family member, friend, or physician—can inquire about services. While a physician must certify that a patient meets the medical eligibility criteria, you do not need a formal referral to call and ask questions. It’s also important for families to know that choosing hospice is not a permanent decision. A patient can leave hospice care at any time and return to curative treatment, and they can re-enroll in hospice later if their condition changes.
For families in Franklin County exploring compassionate end-of-life care options, our team is here to provide answers and support. To learn more or verify coverage, please call the ViaQuest Hospice team at 855.289.1722. Our specialists can help you understand the process and coordinate with your physician.
You can also Download our Complete Guide to Hospice Care for comprehensive information about the services and support available to your family.
Key Takeaways
- Hospice care in Franklin County provides comprehensive medical, emotional, and spiritual support focused on comfort and quality of life.
- Services are delivered by an interdisciplinary team and primarily take place in the patient’s home, whether a private residence or a facility.
- The cost of hospice is covered by Medicare, Ohio Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, minimizing financial burdens for families.
