FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is hospice?
Hospice is a service for patients diagnosed with a life-limiting illness in the last stages of their life or otherwise. Hospice uses medical care, social services, and spirituality to improve the moods of the patient and their family and/or friends during a difficult and emotional time.
Why choose us?
A variety of factors. One, the CEO and the Director of Patient Care Services are involved with all members of your family team. This is not the case elsewhere.
Two, we are Joint Commission accredited.
Three, Communication, Attentiveness, Completeness, Teamwork, Safety, and Integrity, all vital attributes we practice.
We care about what we do and the services we provide.
What does "Accredited by Joint Commission" mean?
Joint Commission accreditation is the highest form of accreditation awarded to hospices (as well as other medical service providers) for their commitment to delivering superior, competent, compassionate, coordinated care.
The Joint Commission organization is nationally recognized by the Center of Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare) as the top health services accreditor in the United States.
Having this accreditation (the gold seal) means on a national level, we are recognized as meeting and exceeding standards set by the state of California and show a commitment to delivering superior care as well as always trying to continually improve our services and business.
What cities in Southern California do you travel to?
We travel to Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties.
What languages can your staff speak?
Our staff is fluent in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese Mandarin, and Armenian.
Who is your Medical Director?
Dr. Laila Hanna is Sebastian Hospice Care’s Medical Director and traveling physician. She makes housecalls so your loved one does not have to leave their residence.
Who is your Director of Patient Care Services?
Minda Bowman, RN is the Director of Patient Care Services.
I practice (insert your religion here). Will the chaplain be a conflict of interest?
Our chaplains are non-denominational. We also can provide chaplains of specific religion upon request, based upon availabilty.
Will your loved one get better?
Hospice neither hastens nor slows death, but statistics show that your loved one tends to live one (1) month longer than those not enrolled in hospice.
How much does hospice cost?
Hospice is free to minimal cost.
How much do prescriptions and medications cost?
Prescriptions and medications related to your loved one’s hospice diagnosis is free of cost.
How much does medical equipment cost?
Medical equipment related to your loved one’s hospice diagnosis is free of cost.
What if I have private insurance?
You may have to pay a deductible, but we work with your private insurance to ensure you get the most care.
What if I have HMO/PPO?
If you are 65+ years old, your HMO switches over to Medicare for hospice services related to your hospice diagnosis. Your HMO/PPO will now cover any services not related to your hospice diagnosis.
Will I ever get billed by your hospice?
No, you will not get billed by us, EVER. We cover all expenses related to your hospice diagnosis. There is no catch.
Does hospice ever use funds from my Entitlement programs, savings, and/or retirement?
No, we do not touch any of that, EVER. Any other hospice should not be touching that either.
What if I was referred to another hospice?
There are many choices (hospice programs) available for your loved one. Ultimately, you as the family/conservator/power of attorney, have the final say about which hospice program your loved one will use.
If you are looking or wanting the best experience during a difficult and emotional time, just know your loved one can always be a part of our family with no obligation.
How often is help available?
It depends. Each person is unique and the level of care required depends on their situation.
Can you receive help outside of normal hospice services?
The short answer, yes. There is more to it, but the short answer is, yes.
What type of help can you receive outside of hospice services?
In-home support, counseling, consultation are the usual services but is best to consult with our team first.
Does hospice cure disease?
No, hospice does not cure disease. Hospice only manages chronic symptoms and controls pain.
Does hospice assist with death?
No, hospice neither hastens nor slows death. Hospice manages chronic symptoms and controls pain only.
