Russell Murray Hospice

What geographical area does Russell-Murray Hospice serve?

Russell-Murray Hospice serves all communities with in a 75-mile radius of El Reno.

When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it?

At any time during a life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. By law the decision belongs to the patient. Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping aggressive efforts to “beat” the disease. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and are always available to discuss them with the patient and family.

Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first?

The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy or friends.

What if our physician doesn’t know about hospice?

Most physicians know about hospice. If your physician wants more information there are many resources available for them. 

Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?

Certainly. If the patient’s condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from hospice care and return to aggressive therapy to go on about their daily life. If the discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

What does the hospice admission process involve?

One of the first things the hospice program will do is contact the patient’s physician to make sure he/she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for this patient at this time. RMH has a Medical Director available to help patients that have no primary care physician. An evaluation will be made and, if hospice appropriate, admission forms will be completed.

Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before care begins?

RMH will assess your needs, recommend any equipment, and help make the arrangements to obtain all equipment necessary for the care of the patient.

How many family members or friends does it take to care for a patient at home?

There is no set number. One of the first things the Russell-Murray Hospice team will do is  prepare an individualized care plan that will, among other things, address the amount of care giving needed by the patient.

How does hospice “manage pain”?

Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain. Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. In addition, physical and occupational therapists can assist patients to be as mobile and self sufficient as they wish. Various counselors, including clergy, are available to assist family members as well as patients.

What is hospice’s success rate in battling pain?

Very high. Using some combination of medications, counseling and therapies, most patients can attain a level of comfort that is acceptable to them.

Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what’s happening?

Usually not. It is the goal of RMH to have the patient as pain free and alert as possible. By constantly consulting with the patient, we have been very successful in reaching this goal.

What if the primary diagnosis is not cancer?

Patients are eligible for hospice when their physician certifies a limited life expectancy and there are no further plans for curative treatment. RMH provides services to patients with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Congestive Heart Failure, ALS, MS, AIDS, end-stage Renal Disease and many other end-stage illnesses.

Is hospice care covered by insurance?

Hospice coverage is widely available. It is provided by Medicare and by most private insurance providers. To be sure of coverage, families should check with their health insurance provider.  Remember, RMH does not discriminate based on the ability of a patient to pay for services.  We are an approved provider for the Medicaid Advantage Program of Oklahoma.

If the patient is not covered by Medicare or any other health insurance, will hospice still provide care?

The first thing hospice will do is assist families in discovering if the patient is eligible for any insurance coverage that they may not be aware of.  Russell-Murray Hospice will provide care for anyone who cannot pay, using money raised through memorial donations, grants and foundation gifts, or from the proceeds from our Thrift Store operations.

Do any outside agencies regulate the quality of a Hospice patient’s care?

RMH Hospice is licensed by the State of Oklahoma and we are Medicare certified by the federal government.

What services does RMH provide?

Patients receive specialized care from an interdisciplinary team, including a medical director, patient manager, RN, social worker, chaplain, dietician, etc. The team follows an individualized care plan that meets the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the individual patient and their family.

Does RMH provide any emotional support to the family after the patient dies?

Absolutely. RMH provides continuing contact and support for caregivers and family members for at least thirteen months following the death of a loved one. In addition, support groups are held monthly at each branch office and are open to family members, friends and the public.

Does hospice have trained volunteers?

In addition to the services of a professional staff, RMH also utilizes the services of trained volunteers. All volunteers are interviewed, undergo a background check, provide references and complete the RMH Volunteer training program before being assigned to a patient case.

Russell-Murray Hospice is a non-profit organization. What does that mean?

We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Russell-Murray never refuses a patient because of inability to pay. Although all hospices work with people facing terminal illness, the philosophy, policies, and services offered can very greatly from one hospice to another.Is hospice appropriate for your situation?

Please feel free to contact one of our Registered Nurses to discuss your individual case.

El Reno 405-262-3088 
Kingfisher 405-375-5015 
Weatherford  580-774-2661