OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

Evaluate the patient's condition during regular scheduled visits. Coordinates the plan of care and teaches the family of proper patient care techniques and use of medications.

Licensed medical social workers provide emotional support for the patient and family, meanwhile counseling in dealing with end-of-life issues, helping with advanced directives.

Assists with Activities of Daily Living more particularly on personal care and hygiene.

Provides non-medical friendly visits to respite to patient and family in the areas of emotional support and encouragement.

CHAPLAIN:

Initiates contact with patient and family to determine needs and provides spiritual support works as liaison with clergy of individual's choice.

THERAPY SERVICES:

Physical therapy, Occupational and Speech Therapy maybe provided according to patient's plan of care.

PHARMACY:

Medications are being delivered by our contracted Pharmacy.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES:

Equipment and suppliers are being delivered by our contracted DME.

SKILLED NURSES:

SOCIAL WORKERS:

CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDS:

VOLUNTEERS:

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Individuals of any age diagnosed with a terminal illness are eligible for hospice care.

If the physician has not discussed hospice as an option, the patient and their family can initiate a discussion with the physician about the possibility of hospice care.

WHO PAYS FOR HOSPICE?

MEDICARE / MEDICAL: Hospice Care is fully reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid.

HEALTH INSURANCE / HMO'S: Health Maintenance Organizations.Most companies include Hospice as a benefit.

PRIVATE PAYERS: Arrangements can be made for those who qualify.

We accept Medicare, Medi-Cal, Private Insurance, HMO's, private pay and other forms of reimbursement for our services. Studies have shown hospice care to be no more costly and frequently less expensive than conventional care during the last six months of life. This is because less high-cost technology is used, and family, mends and volunteers provide much of the day-to-day patient care at home.

OUR ADMISSION PROCESS

1. Diagnosis: The patient receives a diagnosis of a terminal illness from their physician.

2. Prognosis: The physician determines that the patient's illness is terminal, with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its natural course.

3. Discussion: The physician or healthcare team discusses hospice care as an option with the patient and their family. This conversation may include information about the benefits of hospice, what services are provided, and what to expect during hospice care. In case  hospice care is not discussed, the patient may initiate and ask about it.

4. Decision: The patient and their family consider the information provided and decide whether hospice care aligns with their goals and wishes for end-of-life care.

5. Referral: If the patient and their family choose hospice care, the physician makes a referral to DESERT WIND HOSPICE. This referral initiates the process of admission to DESERT WIND.

6. Assessment: A DESERT WIND HOSPICE team member visits the patient and conducts an assessment to determine their needs and develop a personalized care plan.

7. Admission: Once the assessment is complete and the patient meets the criteria for hospice care, they are admitted to the DESERT WIND HOSPICE program, and care begins according to the established care plan.