Meet the Experts

Berta M. Rodriguez

Palliative Care Social Worker with Baptist Health South Florida

Videos

Common Hospice Misconceptions

When someone signs into hospice care is no longer eligible for any curative or aggressive treatment. However, Berta M. Rodriguez, Palliative Care Social Worker with Baptist Health South Florida, explains patients can revoke hospice at any time.

Common Complaints of Hospice Care

The most complaints about hospice care is because not always patients understand what they should expect from it. However, Berta M. Rodriguez, Palliative Care Social Worker with Baptist Health South Florida, says according to Medicare nine out of ten people are satisfied. She also talks about what are the important things not to feel frustrated.

Coping with Grief and Loss

There are five stages of grief: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining and guilt, depression and acceptance. Berta M. Rodriguez, Palliative Care Social Worker with Baptist Health South Florida, explains grief and loss is part of living, it’s a personal journey and unpredictable. Dr. Ana Viamonte-Ros, Medical Director of Palliative Care & Bioethics with Baptist Health South Florida, says it’s important to be patient with yourself.

Time Limit on Hospice Care

There is no limit as long as there are professional criteria for hospice care. First, the physician determines that the patient has six months, or less, of life. Berta M. Rodriguez, Palliative Care Social Worker with Baptist Health South Florida, says hospice is re-evaluated within 90 days. Dr. Ana Viamonte-Ros, Medical Director of Palliative Care & Bioethics with Baptist Health South Florida, talks about pain management.

Palliative Care and Hospice Care

Palliative care is care at any stage of the disease, especially in cases of chronic diseases. In case of hospice care, it has an end-of-life component. Congestive heart failure, heart disease, pulmonary disease, dementia and cancer are the most common conditions for those services, explain, Dr. Ana Viamonte-Ros, Medical Director of Palliative Care & Bioethics with Baptist Health South Florida and Berta M. Rodriguez, Palliative Care Social Worker with Baptist Health South Florida.

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