What about Medical Equipment, Supplies and Medications?

SJH HospiceCare provides the practical support necessary to help patients receive care at home.  Identifying a need for and obtaining medical equipment, supplies, and medications related to the progressive illness is an important part of this practical support. SJH HospiceCare does not discriminate based upon ability to pay or source of payment and will utilize all available resources to insure that each patient receives the medication, supplies and/or equipment necessary for care.

GUIDELINES FOR PATIENTS RECEIVING THE MEDICARE/MEDICAID HOSPICE BENEFIT OR PRIVATELY INSURED WITH AN ACCEPTED PER DIEM HOSPICE BENEFIT:

SJH HospiceCare will stock specific brands and sizes of equipment and supplies.  In the event that the patient/family request supplies not essential to the plan of care or of a brand not supplied by SJH HospiceCare, a team member will provide the patient/family with a list of resources to obtain those items at their own expense.

• The hospice nurse will work with the patient/family to identify equipment and/or supplies necessary to meet the goals of the plan of care.
• Nutritional supplements or tube feedings will be provided by hospice when it is the patient's only source of nutrition and is included in the hospice plan of care.

Essential medical supplies are defined as follows:  

• Flat, unfitted disposable diapers and one brand of fitted disposable diapers
• Bed protectors (chux pads)
• Bedpans
• Disposable gloves
• Urinals

Supplies necessary for treatments related to the life-limiting illness may include:

• Ostomy supplies
• Foley catheters
• Dressings
• Irrigation Kits
• Mouth swabs
• Suction equipment

Prescription medications related to the life-limiting illness may include:

• Pain medications Anti-anxiety medications
• Steroids Anti-depressants
• Diuretics
• Miscellaneous prescription medications specified in the plan of care

• Ostomy supplies
• Foley catheters
• Dressings
• Irrigation Kits
• Suction equipment 

Medical equipment related to the terminal illness may include:

• Semi-electric bed
• Wheelchair
• Walker
• Bedside commode
• Bed side-rail
• Oxygen
• Over-bed table