top of page
bgImage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hospice?

Hospice is a coordinated program of palliative and supportive care with the focus on comfort care rather than curative care for those individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is the relief of pain which includes treatment and relief from mental and physical pain without curing the causes, especially in patients suffering from a terminal illness.

What is a terminal illness?

Terminal illness is a medical prognosis made by two (2) physicians that someone has approximately six (6) months remaining. The following is a list of common diagnoses that are considered terminal, in nature:

  • Cancer
  • Heart Disease
  • Alzheimers /Dementia
  • Liver Disease
  • Lung Disease 
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Stroke
  • Coma
  • Kidney Disease
  • ALS

Will I have to change doctors?

At Bridgeway Hospice, we believe a continued relationship with your primary care physician is important and therefore recommend that you continue your relationship with your physician. If this is not feasible, Bridgeway Hospice has specialized hospice physicians to oversee your care.

What is covered under the hospice program?

  • Nursing Services
  • Social Services
  • Chaplain Services
  • Volunteer Services
  • Certified Nursing Assistants
  • Bereavement Services
  • Medications and medical supplies that are related to hospital diagnoses
  • Medical Equipment related to hospital diagnoses

How much does hospice cost?

Hospice services are covered by Medicare Part A, Medicaid and most private or commercial insurances at 100%. At Bridgeway Hospice there are no out of pocket expenses for our patients’ care and services.

Will I have to stop my routine medications?

Bridgeway Hospice views each case individually and does not encourage the discontinuation of medications.

How will hospice manage my pain?

Bridgeway works with your physician along with our qualified palliative care physicians to provide you with the most effective pain management with the least amount of sedation possible.

How long can I remain in hospice care?

Once you have decided on palliative and comfort care rather than curative measures for your terminal diagnosis, the hospice benefit will cover you for an initial 90-day period, a subsequent 90-day period and INDEFINITE 60-day periods. What that means is that hospice will be here for you as long as you need the benefit and continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Do I have to stay home or can I continue to enjoy my life as I desire?

Fortunately, hospice does not require you to be homebound. We encourage our patients to experience life to the fullest with dignity and comfort. Bridgeway Hospice provides these services wherever you are, whether in a nursing facility, assisted living facility, your home or apartment, or in an independent living facility.

Does hospice provide sitters?

Unfortunately, hospice does not include sitter services, but at Bridgeway, we can provide volunteers to stay with you for short periods of time. We will provide you with a list of sitter agencies that may provide these services to you.

Is it necessary to have a “DNR” to receive hospice?

It is not necessary to have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) however, our social workers will work with you and your family to assist you with getting necessary arrangements in order so that you are better prepared.

When is it time to call hospice in?

It is time for hospice when all measures to cure the patient of the terminal illness have been exhausted and when the physician(s) declare that the patient has a prognosis of six (6) months or less if the disease runs its natural course.

How do I get hospice services?

Your doctor may make a referral to Bridgeway or you may contact our Baton Rouge office at 225-753-1495, or our Lafayette office at 

337-232-5925, and one of our friendly staff members will set up a time to meet with you to provide additional information about your hospice benefit. 

bgImage

Our services and passion for caring extend to all regardless of diagnosis, gender, national origin, race, color, creed, sexual orientation, disability, age or place of residence.

bottom of page