Hospice Basics (But Make It Fun)
This is the most common level of hospice care, and where the magic happens — usually in pajamas
What is routine home care?
Call this number every time something small happens with a patient.
What is 911?
Bathing, dressing, grooming, oral care.
What is personal care services/hospice aide?
How many hours of sleep is recommended for adults per night?
What is 7-9 hours?
ADL
This form lets us know we won’t be calling 911 during a crisis.
What is a DNR?
Text this kind of information to a coworker, and you'll meet HIPAA face-to-face.
What is patient-identifying information?
Aids in support after a patient dies.
What are bereavement services?
This first meal of the day kickstarts your metabolism.
What is breakfast?
POC
What is Plan of Care?
Patients qualify for hospice when they have this much life expectancy left, as determined by their doctor
What is 6 months or less?
Show up to a patient’s home or facility without it...
What is my badge?
Provides companionship and sits with patient...
What is a volunteer?
This practice helps you unplug and relax before bedtime.
What is turning off screens or a nighttime routine?
LOC
What is level of care?
This type of therapy helps patients and families cope with the emotional and spiritual challenges of end-of-life care...
What is psychosocial and spiritual support?
Chart this much later and risk forgetting everything.
What is the next day? Or later?
Monitors pain control and vitals.
What is hospice nurse?
Scheduling this during your day can improve productivity and mental clarity.
What is a break?
SNF
This government agency pays us and sets the rules (bless them and curse them).
What is CMS?
Bring this up during an IDT meeting instead of discussing patient care.
What is your latest reality TV show obsession? Your patient's sister's ex-husbands new wife? Anything besides important patient information?
Prescribes comfort medications.
What is hospice physician/medical director?
This phrase means fully leaving work behind during time off.
What is disconnecting or unplugging?
CMS
What is Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services?