F A Q
Who can stay at The Fisher Home?
We welcome any person from Western Massachusetts who has a life limiting illness with a life expectancy of approximately six months or less. The recommendation to stay at The Fisher Home does not have to come from a physician. In fact, it is frequently a nurse or a family member who recommends our Home.
Hospice care is palliative rather than curative. That means we will care, not cure. Our staff is trained to improve the quality of the patient's life making the last months as peaceful and loving as possible.
Hospice is available for those people who have a life expectancy of six months or less.
Patients need to be aware of their illnesses and have a primary care physician who is willing to collaborate with a Hospice team.
It is also important for a patient's living situation to include caregivers who are willing to assume support roles, throughout periods between nursing visits.
Hospice of the Fisher Home accepts patients without regard to age, gender, race, religion, diagnosis or handicap.
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What is The Fisher Home like?
It is a single-story home in a well-maintained garden setting. Six individually furnished single bedrooms are combined with semi-private baths. A cozy living room is next to a generous dining room. The professional kitchen and laundry are fully equipped. Special places are the well-appointed library and the gazebo. Birdhouses near every window provide winged companionship with sweet songs.
The Fisher Home is fully handicapped accessible.
Please come and visit us!
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What can one expect from The Fisher Home?
Individual care. Each resident may live life to the fullest extent possible while maintaining autonomy with regard to eating, sleeping, visiting, and other personal choices.
Companionship. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to spend relaxed time with their loved ones. A team of volunteers offers their friendship as well as spiritual and emotional support, massages, music or art therapy.
Compassionate health care. The Fisher Home provides sensitive care through a highly specialized team of physicians, nurses, therapists, and pastoral care givers. Each resident's primary physician may oversee an appropriate plan of medical care. We are members of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and share their principles and philosophy.
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Who should suggest a stay at The Fisher Home?
Family members, friends, clergy, neighbors or other caregivers can make the initial call. A physician or a nurse does not have to make the first contact. However, it is the patient who will make the final decision to come to The Fisher Home.
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Who makes a referral?
The patient is usually referred to The Fisher Home by the attending physician. Referrals can also be made by family members, friends, clergy, or health professionals, by calling 413-549-2751.
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Is a doctor's referral necessary?
No, anyone can make the referral. Often it is the family, friends, or a nurse who suggests a Fisher Home stay. Sometimes the attending physician calls; some patients decide for themselves that, as their illness progresses, they want hospice care at The Fisher Home. In either case, we will collaborate with the attending physician in order to achieve the best possible care.
Call The Fisher Home (413) 549 2751 and speak to the administrator who will guide you through the referral process.
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What is the agreement between the attending physician and The Fisher Home?
The following statement, signed by the physician, makes him/her part of the interdisciplinary team:
To the best of my knowledge, I certify that the above patient is terminally ill with an expected medical prognosis of six months or less, if the disease continues its expected course of progression. I wish Hospice services to be provided by The Fisher Home. I understand that I will become a member of the interdisciplinary team providing care to the above patient, and will share information (verbally and with copies of appropriate records) with the team. I further understand that if this patient requires hospitalization, those services that relate to the patient's terminal illness will be coordinated with The Fisher Home's interdisciplinary team. At time of admission, all current medications and treatments ordered will continue until modified.
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What are the costs of staying at The Fisher Home?
A fee will be charged for room and board. This will cover community-prepared food, linen and laundry, and the presence of full-time qualified personnel. Separate charges may apply if there are special dietary and/or nutritional needs.
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Who pays for Hospice services?
Medicare and Medicaid typically pay for Hospice services. Most other private insurance companies also have provisions for Hospice care.
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When should The Fisher Home be contacted?
The earlier you call the better we can help. Hospice care at The Fisher Home is not only for the last days of life; there is much that can be done in the last months of life to ensure pain management and maximum quality of life. We offer spiritual guidance, companionship, and help with resolving difficult issues that arise at the end of life.
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