If your loved one is facing a discharge from hospice due to failure to decline, it’s crucial to comprehend the situation. This discharge indicates that the healthcare team believes your loved one’s condition has stabilized and no longer requires hospice care. While this might be a positive sign, weighing the pros and cons before making decisions is important. Let’s delve into this situation’s positive and negative aspects to help you navigate it effectively.
The Good
Improved Health: A discharge for failure to decline often signifies that your loved one’s health has stabilized or improved. This positive development shows progress in their recovery journey.
Greater Independence: Transitioning out of hospice care allows your loved one to regain independence. They can resume daily activities, contributing to overall well-being and mental health.
The Bad
Patient’s Terminal Status: Discharge for failure to decline doesn’t guarantee the patient isn’t terminal. Sometimes, patients are terminal without acceptable evidence by Medicare. Families can appeal such discharges.
Increased Caregiver Responsibility: Discharge shifts care responsibility to family members or caregivers. This can be challenging without preparation or support.
Potential for Readmission: Discharge doesn’t guarantee continued stability. Setbacks may lead to readmission. Close monitoring and emergency plans are crucial.
Limited Specialized Care Access: Leaving hospice means less access to 24×7 specialized services. Sudden deterioration or new challenges may lack immediate specialized care.
Adjustment Period: Transitioning is demanding emotionally and physically. Adjusting to new routines, environments, and responsibilities takes time.
How to Appeal a Discharge from Hospice Care
If a patient, power of attorney, or family member of the patient does not believe that a discharge from hospice care is appropriate, they may be able to appeal the decision. Here are some steps to take before the last skilled nursing visit:
Contact the hospice provider: The first step is to contact the hospice provider and ask for an explanation of the discharge decision. It may be helpful to have a list of questions prepared in advance.
Request a review: If the hospice provider’s explanation is unsatisfactory, the patient or their representative can request a review of the decision. An independent organization or the hospice provider may conduct this review.
File a complaint: If the review does not result in a satisfactory outcome, the patient or their representative can file a complaint with the state agency that regulates hospice care. This agency will investigate the complaint and may take action if it finds that the hospice provider has violated any regulations or standards.
Conclusion
When facing a discharge from hospice care due to a failure to decline, it’s essential to carefully evaluate both the positive and negative aspects of this situation. On the positive side, it can indicate improved health and greater independence for your loved one. However, the potential negatives include the uncertainty of the patient’s terminal status, increased caregiver responsibility, the risk of readmission, limited access to specialized care, and the challenging adjustment period. If you disagree with the discharge decision, you can appeal by contacting the hospice provider, requesting a review, and filing a complaint with the state agency. These steps can help ensure your loved one’s best interests are considered throughout their hospice care journey.
