Referrals

Referrals may be made to Hospice of West Alabama (HOWA) by anyone at any time by calling (205) 523-0101 or (877) 362-7522. Someone from our clinical staff will call the family to get information and informed consent.

We also contact the doctor for the following information:

Admitting diagnosis and prognosis
Current medical findings
Orders for medications and treatments
Patient and family understanding of disease and prognosis
Relevant patient and family information
History and physical
Order for hospice care

After talking with the doctor, we will make an appointment to visit the patient/family to get more information and talk about services. Once the patient is admitted, we will develop a plan of care based on the nursing and social work assessments.

Talking To Patients About Hospice

Be prepared by confirming medical facts and providing an appropriate environment.
Determine (in advance) how the patient and family want to receive information.
Establish what the patient and family know about their condition by using open-ended questions.
Deliver the information in a straightforward manner.
Respond to emotions of the patient and family.
Establish goals for care and treatment options when possible.
Formulate an overall plan with the patient.