Community support provides above-and-beyond care to patients and families
What distinguishes medical care from genuine caregiving? At Hospice of the Piedmont (HOP), this question is at the core of our mission – to care for the whole person.
While Medicare covers the essentials of in-home hospice care for most patients, in some situations, there is a gap between what Medicare covers and our commitment to providing what an individual facing a life-limiting illness might need. That is where the generous support of our donors steps in. Philanthropic support allows us to deliver the best in patient care, reaching beyond standard Medicare coverage.
We sat down with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alina Fomovska to discuss some of the ways your philanthropic dollars are at work at the bedside.
The Hospice of “Yes”
When asked to explain the impact of philanthropy at the bedside, Dr. Fomovska thinks of it this way, “It comes down to being the hospice of yes.”
Patients, she explained, often think going into hospice care means giving up things that Medicare will not cover. Dr. Fomovska gives the example of those who suffer from severe heart failure and are on the medication Milrinone which helps reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. “We are the only hospice in the area that supports patients on Milrinone, allowing them to come home from the hospital and be with their loved ones.”
“While there will still be things the Medicare hospice benefit will not cover, philanthropy allows us to significantly expand treatment options that we can provide to our patients,” Dr. Fomovska shared.
HOP’s expanded use of physical therapy, which is typically very limited for patients on hospice, is another example of how HOP strives to support the whole person. Physical therapy not only offers our patients pain management, but it can also offer them a chance to feel more independent in their final months.
Being a hospice of ‘yes’ has fostered a culture at HOP that encourages new ideas and explores how we can continue to strive to do our best for everyone in need of our care. “Our first thought is not, ‘What are we allowed to do?’ but instead, ‘What are creative and evidence-based ways can we approach this problem?’” explained Dr. Fomovska.
Little Things, Big Impact
One new and exciting program at HOP, made possible through a generous donation, is the use of robotic pets for patients with delirium and dementia. These furry cats and dogs purr and wiggle when you pet them, respond to being spoken to, and are very cuddly.
companion pet Orange-y the Cat.
“Robotic pets are a brilliant example of philanthropy at the bedside. With no medications that effectively treat delirium, these pets are the top evidence-based therapy,” explained Dr. Fomovska.
Our care team has seen withdrawn patients light up and become more active and social with the introduction of a robotic pet. The simple companionship of these pets can make all the difference in a patient’s well-being.
Another way our community’s philanthropy impacts patients at the bedside is by using technology to help avoid trips to the emergency room or hospital.
Through the generosity of our donors, HOP has purchased Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) devices that can be used for a variety of clinical needs. The POCUS machines could be used by our doctors to follow-up after a fall or investigate changes in pain or breathing, just to name a few.
Thanks to this generous gift, HOP now has three POCUS machines available for our physicians.
Philanthropy in Action – Palliative Medicine
Our in-home Palliative Medicine program is another way in which our community supports the highest level of care for those navigating serious illness.
Consider the standard primary care doctor visit in a clinic is scheduled for just 15 minutes. That’s often too short when dealing with complex advanced illness.
“When it comes to maximizing life and making every moment count, visits have to be longer,” explains Dr. Fomovska. “Philanthropy supports patients being seen in their home, and long enough for meaningful impact.”
Our team of Nurse Practitioners assists in navigating treatment options while prioritizing patient—and family-centered care in the comfort of their homes.
HOP is committed to delivering in-home palliative care because we believe it makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those navigating serious illness. The uncompensated cost of delivering these services exceeds half a million dollars annually and would not be possible without the generosity of our donors.
At HOP, we think a lot about how to make every moment count. We know that each good day or hour that a patient has can make a meaningful difference for them and their loved ones.
Philanthropy in action is one way in which HOP strives to provide more good days and weeks for those we care for.
Simply put said Dr. Fomovska: “Philanthropy expands our possibilities and lets us better care for our patients and families.”
