End-of-Life Care for Patients with End-Stage Heart Disease, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Ischemic Heart Disease
Congested Heart Failure Hospice Eligibility Criteria
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscles can no longer pump blood effectively and fluids can build up around the heart, abdomen, lungs and other parts of the body. Patients with end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF) and terminal heart disease often make frequent doctor’s office, ER and hospital visits for breathing difficulties and fatigue. In fact, over one million people in the United States are admitted to inpatient settings for heart failure each year. One in four Medicare heart failure patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after the patient was discharged from the hospital.
We, at Aria Hospice understand that many of these hospital visits could be prevented with the support of hospice care, but cardiac patients and families are often unaware of the hospice qualifications for Congested Heart Failure. And even more are unaware the added support available for Congested Heart Failure patients in their home or at assisted living for an independent living facility.
In addition to general hospice guidelines, we consider the following symptoms in cardiac patients when determining hospice eligibility criteria for Congested Heart Failure:
While only a physician is able to make the determination of whether a Congested Heart Failure patient meets the qualifications to be admitted to hospice, if you are seeing any of the above signs and symptoms in a patient with Congested Heart Failure or other end-stage cardiac conditions, it may be time to consider adding the support of hospice care. You can contact Aria Hospice 24/7, seven days a week, 365 days a year for any questions or concerns. Our professional team is available both to the patient and their families to answer questions, as well as provide support to help manage the patient’s symptoms.
When to Call Aria Hospice?
While there is no cure for late-stage CHF, the added support of hospice care can improve quality of life for patients and their families. Aria Hospice is here to offer support wherever the patient calls home – including assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities and independent living facilities.
If you have questions as to whether the patient meets the hospice criteria for Congested Heart Failure, it’s important to start the conversation as soon as possible. This way, you have time to explore all of your options and get your questions answered before a crisis occurs. Aria Hospice can meet with patients and their families at the location of your choice at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Benefits of Aria Hospice Care for Patients Suffering from Congested Heart Failure
Pain Management – Patients with Congested Heart Failure disease often experience pain caused by the progression of the disease. Aria Hospice Team provides comfort care which focuses on relieving pain and maintaining comfort.
Symptom Control – Aria Hospice Care Team regularly assesses each patient’s condition and works with the physician to determine the most effective treatment and medication options to maximize symptom control.
Hospice Care at Home – The goal of hospice care is to support patients by meeting their needs and managing their care at home – wherever they may call home, using holistic approach that includes hospice massages and emotional and spiritual approaches.
Coordinated Care Approach – Hospice care is a team effort. The patient’s family and loved ones are actively involved along with a team of professionals and volunteers. With the help and support of the hospice care team, the patient and their family can attain physical, emotional, and spiritual preparedness for the end of life.
