Q: What is hospice care?
A: It is compassionate, comfort-oriented care for the dying with an emphasis on pain management, symptom control and emotional support for the patient and family.

Q: How and where does a patient receive care from Hospice & Palliative Care Partners of Ohio?
A: To become a hospice patient, a person must have a prognosis of months or weeks, rather than years to live and reside in either Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Summit, Lake, Geauga, or Portage counties. We care for patients in their homes or in extended-care settings such as Assisted Living Facilities or Nursing Homes and provide support to caregivers.

Q: Does a patient need to be close to death before being referred to HPCPO?
A: No. We encourage early referral so patient and family can better enhance the quality of life and access the support available to them.

Q: Do all HPCPO patients have cancer?
A: No. Hospice serves patients of all ages with any disease.

Q: What is the role of the patient’s physician?
A: Hospice patients continue to be served by their own physicians. Hospice team members work with each physician, serving as a liaison between physician, patient and family.

Q: Can patients be admitted directly to HPCPO from the hospital?
A: Yes. Our referral team works with the hospital discharge planners and social workers to initially assess the support needed for the patient after discharge. In some instances, the admission to hospice can take place while the patient is still in the hospital.

Q: How does HPCPO offer support to family members?
A: HPCPO’s interdisciplinary teams of staff and volunteers work together to provide many support services to family members. These include 24-hour a day access, personal care for the patient, nursing care, caregiver respite, professional counseling, expressive therapies, spiritual care, social work, bereavement support and a broad array of volunteer services.

Q: How long can a patient receive hospice care?
A: Indefinitely, if the patient’s condition remains appropriate for hospice care. Patients sometimes experience improved health and do not need continuing hospice support. If their condition deteriorates later, they can be re-admitted.