Why Do Nebraska Nursing Homes Push Hospice? Here’s What Families Should Know
Nebraska families with loved ones in nursing homes are noticing an increase in hospice care referrals. While hospice offers benefits like pain relief and emotional support for those who truly need it, not all referrals prioritize the resident’s needs.
Nursing homes often push hospice care because it can ease their financial strains, reduce staffing challenges, and help them meet regulatory goals.
At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, we’re here to help families ensure their loved ones get the care they deserve.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is care for individuals with terminal illnesses who are nearing the end of life. The primary goal is to provide comfort, rather than a cure, by focusing on pain relief, symptom management, and emotional support.
Eligibility for hospice care typically requires two key factors:
- A doctor must confirm that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.
- The patient (or their family) must agree to forgo treatments that aim to cure their condition and choose comfort-focused care instead.
Hospice is often a compassionate choice for those who need it. However, when pushed prematurely or for the wrong reasons, it raises serious ethical concerns.
Why Nebraska Nursing Homes Might Push for Hospice
When it comes to hospice care in Nebraska nursing homes, multiple factors may influence a facility’s decision to recommend it.
Some of these reasons might benefit residents, but others could be tied instead to the nursing home’s internal challenges or goals.
1. Financial Incentives
Hospice care can sometimes be more financially advantageous for nursing homes. Here’s how:
- Medicare and Medicaid reimburse hospice providers directly, which can reduce the nursing home’s financial responsibility.
- By transferring a resident to hospice care, the facility might cut costs associated with staffing and medical interventions, especially for residents requiring intensive care.
For instance, if a nursing home spends $200 daily on a resident but hospice care reduces their direct daily costs to $100, the savings add up. While not every facility acts on financial motives, the system certainly creates opportunities for profit-driven decisions.
2. Staffing Challenges
Nursing homes across Nebraska—and the nation—are grappling with significant staffing shortages. This can make it difficult to provide quality care, especially for residents with complex medical needs.
By transitioning residents to hospice, facilities may ease some of the burden on their staff. Hospice providers bring in their own teams to manage care, which lightens the load for overworked nursing home employees.
3. Enhanced Care for Residents
It’s important to acknowledge that hospice care often provides benefits that nursing homes alone may struggle to offer:
- Pain and symptom management tailored to the resident’s needs
- Emotional and spiritual support for both the resident and their family
- Access to unique services, like music therapy or grief counseling
- Reduced hospitalizations, which can be distressing for terminally ill patients
- Advance care planning that ensures the resident’s wishes are respected
When used appropriately, hospice can improve the quality of life for residents who genuinely need end-of-life care.
4. Improved Pain Management
Studies show that hospice care can significantly enhance pain control for residents with terminal illnesses. Hospice teams often have access to advanced medications and techniques that nursing homes might not use as effectively.
This can make a world of difference for residents suffering from chronic pain.
5. Regulatory Pressures
Nursing homes face strict regulations regarding end-of-life care. Partnering with hospice providers can help facilities meet these requirements more easily. Hospice involvement can improve quality scores and ensure compliance with state and federal standards.
While this may not always be the primary reason for a referral, it’s an important consideration for nursing homes.
Red Flags and Warning Signs
While hospice care has its benefits, families should watch for signs that something may not be right with a nursing home’s referral process.
Sudden and Unexpected Referrals
If a hospice referral comes out of nowhere, especially for a resident who seems relatively stable, it’s worth questioning why it’s being suggested.
Abrupt recommendations without prior discussion or warning may indicate something other than the resident’s best interests is driving the decision.
Pressure to Make Quick Decisions
Feeling rushed to approve hospice care is a major red flag. Some nursing homes may create a sense of urgency, leaving families little time to evaluate the situation. You have the right to ask for time to consider all options and to seek additional input if needed.
Lack of a Clear Explanation
Hospice referrals should always be accompanied by a clear, compassionate explanation of why this step is necessary.
If staff can’t provide a detailed and understandable rationale—or if they avoid your questions altogether—it’s a sign to dig deeper into the true reason behind the recommendation.
Safeguard Your Loved Ones in Nebraska: Contact Us
If you suspect that your loved one is being pressured into hospice care for the wrong reasons, it’s crucial to take action. Families have the right to ask questions, request second opinions, and, if necessary, seek legal guidance.
At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, we are here to help you protect your loved ones and hold nursing homes accountable for their actions. Call us today at (402) 933-0588 for compassionate legal support. Together, we can ensure that your family member’s care is guided by their best interests not by convenience or profit motives.
Contact The Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO
If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How to reach us
Omaha Office: 3032 South 87th Street, Omaha,
NE 68124
Lincoln Office: P.O. Box 57154, Lincoln, NE 68505
Email: legal2@reedlawomaha.com
Tel: (402) 933-0588
Fax: (402) 263-5077