Patients whose only life-limiting diagnosis is end-stage renal disease are not eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit while they are receiving dialysis. If patients have another terminal diagnosis, they may receive concurrent hospice and dialysis benefits under Medicare. For example, a patient receiving dialysis who develops metastatic cancer may continue dialysis while receiving hospice services for cancer. Patients who stop dialysis are always eligible for hospice care and should be routinely referred. Following are the guidelines for admission to hospice for ESRD patients:
25%–30% of patients on dialysis who are declining with other comorbid disease, such as cancers, end-stage heart
disease, end-stage lung disease
Weight loss
Functional decline
Cognitive decline
Social withdrawal
Uncontrolled pain
Frequent nausea
Increasing weakness
Orthostatic hypotension
Dehydration
Decreasing muscle mass
Impaired immune function
Increase in infections
Decrease in sympathetic response to stressors
Faith and Hope Hospice team will develop a plan of care for ESRD patients focusing to prevent and manage symptoms like:
Pain
Fatigue
Loss of Appetitie
Nausea and Vomiting
Itching
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Sleeping
Anxiety
Depression
Faith and Hope will maintain and update the plan of care on an as needed basis to help patients retain their dignity and for families to focus on enjoying the time they have together. Seeing the utmost quality hospice care be provided for our patients and their loved ones is what gives comfort to our group of professionals here at Faith and Hope Hospice Care.
Get In Touch With One Of Our Knowledgeable Advisors
We are ready to help you or a loved one during the end of life process by creating a fully customized care plan.