Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about Hospice services.

• What is Hospice care?

  Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care designed to provide comfort and support to individuals facing a terminal illness. Unlike traditional medical treatments that focus on curing disease, hospice care prioritizes quality of life for patients in their final stages. This approach is centered around compassionate care that addresses not only physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

  Hospice services typically involve a team of healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists—who collaborate to create a personalized care plan tailored to the individual needs of each patient. The role of each team member is essential in providing holistic support, ensuring that patients and their families receive comprehensive care that addresses both medical and emotional aspects of end-of-life care.

  The objective of hospice services is not just to ease physical discomfort but also to help patients live as fully as possible during their remaining time. By focusing on comfort rather than curative treatment, hospice allows individuals to spend precious moments with loved ones in a supportive environment.

• Who makes the decision about entering hospice care and when?

  Deciding to enter hospice care is a significant step for patients and their families, often made during challenging times. The decision typically involves collaboration between the patient, their family, and healthcare professionals. It is important to understand that hospice services focus on providing comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment when an illness is no longer responding to traditional medical interventions.

  Healthcare providers play a crucial role in recommending hospice services. These professionals help assess the patient’s condition and discuss options with both the patient and their loved ones when they determine that a patient has a life-limiting illness with an estimated prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its expected course.

  Patients have the right to choose hospice care when they feel ready to focus on comfort rather than aggressive treatments. Family members are often involved in these discussions, providing support and helping to ensure that decisions align with the patient’s wishes and values.

  Ultimately, choosing hospice services is a personal choice guided by medical advice, individual preferences, and family input. It is essential for all parties involved to communicate openly about goals of care, expectations of hospice services, and any concerns or questions they may have about this compassionate approach to end-of-life care.

• How are hospice care referrals made?

  The doctor’s office or hospital discharge planners often contact Hospice with a referral for patients in need of specialized care. Family members can also initiate referrals when they recognize the need for hospice services.

  Once a referral is received, our team will promptly schedule an appointment to discuss the range of services available. During this appointment, hospice staff will provide detailed information about the care options tailored to the patient’s specific needs, including pain management, emotional support, and assistance with daily activities. This is an important opportunity for families to ask questions, understand the hospice approach, and learn how the hospice team can support both the patient and their loved ones during this challenging time.

• If the patient lives in a nursing home, assisted living, or independent living facility, can they obtain benefits from hospice care?

  Yes. When a nursing home, assisted living or independent living facility is the place of residence, the patient may choose to have hospice services at that location. The care received from the hospice professionals will supplement the care received from the nursing home or assisted living facility.

• Who will provide the hospice care?

  Hospice care is a comprehensive approach to end-of-life support, involving a diverse team of professionals who work together to ensure that patients receive compassionate and holistic care. This team typically includes nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual advisors, hospice aides, and volunteers. Each team member plays a vital role in addressing the various needs of patients and their families.

  Nurses are at the forefront of hospice services, providing continuous medical support and managing symptoms to enhance comfort. They work closely with physicians who oversee the patient’s medical needs and develop personalized care plans tailored to each individual’s condition.

  Social workers offer emotional support and counseling to both patients and their families. They help navigate complex healthcare decisions and connect families with community resources that can provide additional assistance at this time.

  Spiritual advisors cater to the spiritual or religious needs of patients, offering guidance and comfort according to individual beliefs. Their presence can be particularly comforting for those seeking peace or resolution as they near the end of life.

  Hospice aides assist with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, and other personal care.

  In addition to the core medical team, volunteers play an essential role in providing companionship, running errands, or offering respite care for family members. Their presence adds a personal touch and extra support during a difficult time.

  Lastly, bereavement services are offered to help families cope with the loss of a loved one, providing emotional and grief support before and after the patient’s passing. This service ensures that families have continued care during the grieving process.

  Together, these professionals form a compassionate network dedicated to providing comprehensive care that respects the wishes of those in hospice, ensuring both the patient and their family are supported through this journey.

• Are family members involved in hospice care?

  Yes, family members are a crucial part of hospice care. Hospice understands that the patient and their loved ones are connected, and it encourages family and friends to be involved as much as possible. Family participation—whether it’s helping with daily activities, providing companionship, or simply being there to listen—can make a significant difference in the patient’s comfort and quality of life.

  Hospice services also offer resources to support families, including guidance on what to expect and how to cope during this difficult time. This holistic approach ensures that both patients and their families feel cared for, allowing everyone to share in the experience and support one another through this journey.

• Are medical supplies or specific equipment provided?

  Hospice care is designed to provide comprehensive support for patients facing life-limiting illnesses, focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment. A key aspect of hospice services is ensuring that patients have access to the necessary medical supplies and equipment to effectively manage their symptoms at home or in a facility.

  Hospice providers typically offer a range of medical equipment and supplies tailored to each patient’s particular needs. This includes essential items for maintaining comfort and safety, as well as supplies to support symptom management, such as oxygen systems, wound care products, catheters, incontinence supplies, and medications.

  The goal of providing these resources is to ensure that patients remain as comfortable as possible while receiving care in their preferred setting. Hospice teams work closely with families and caregivers to assess specific needs and arrange for the delivery and setup of necessary items. By offering these vital supplies, hospice providers support both the patient’s physical well-being and the overall caregiving process.

• Does the patient’s physician work with the hospice team?

  When a patient enters hospice services, one of the common concerns is whether their primary physician will continue to be involved in their care. The answer is yes—collaboration between the patient’s physician and the hospice team is not only possible but encouraged. This partnership ensures that the patient receives comprehensive, personalized care.

  The patient’s physician coordinates with the hospice team to develop an effective care plan. They provide valuable insights into the patient’s medical history, preferences, and any ongoing treatments that need consideration. This information helps the team deliver hospice care that aligns with previously established medical goals while also addressing new needs that arise during end-of-life care.

  Hospice services typically consist of various professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. Each member brings specialized skills aimed at enhancing quality of life for both patients and their families. By working closely with the patient’s own physician, they ensure continuity of care—a key factor in maintaining comfort and dignity for those in hospice.

  Collaboration between a patient’s physician and the hospice team bridges existing medical knowledge with supportive hospice services offered by professionals, creating a seamless experience focused on comfort and respect for patients’ wishes.

• How does Hospice manage pain?

  Hospice services treat pain in a holistic and individualized manner, emphasizing comfort and quality of life. The care team, which includes doctors, nurses, and other specialists, collaborates with the patient and their family to assess pain levels and create a tailored pain management plan. This plan may include medications such as pain relievers to treat both chronic and acute pain, as well as other supportive therapies aimed at increasing comfort. In addition to medications, hospice services may include a variety of non-pharmacological pain management interventions such as physical therapy and comfort measures. The team also offers emotional and psychological support to alleviate the distress that can come with pain, assisting the patient and their family to deal with anxiety and fear. Pain management is constantly adjusted to meet the patient’s needs, ensuring the highest possible quality of life. Ultimately, the goal is to keep the patient as comfortable and relaxed as possible while also addressing their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

• If the patient stabilizes, can they return to curative medical treatment?

  If a patient’s condition stabilizes while receiving hospice care, they have the option to return to curative treatment if they choose. Hospice services are intended to focus on comfort and quality of life when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired. However, if the patient’s health improves or changes, they aren’t obligated to stay in hospice care. Should they decide to pursue aggressive treatments again, hospice care can be stopped, and the patient can transition back to their primary doctor or specialists for curative care. It’s important for the patient and their family to fully understand the impact of this decision, as switching back to curative treatment can change the overall approach to care and involve different medical strategies. The hospice team is there to support the family through this process, helping them make an informed decision that aligns with the patient’s wishes, whether they decide to stay in hospice care or return to curative treatments.

• Can the patient keep their traditional Medicare health plan?

  Yes, a patient can maintain their traditional Medicare health plan while receiving hospice services. In fact, traditional Medicare typically covers the majority of hospice care services, including nursing care, symptom-management medications, and other support services. If a patient decides to enter hospice care, their Medicare benefits will be limited to hospice-related services, and curative treatments for the terminal condition will no longer be covered by Medicare. This does not require the patient to abandon their traditional Medicare plan; it simply means that Medicare will adjust to cover hospice services rather than treatments aimed at curing the disease. If the patient decides to discontinue hospice care and return to curative treatment, they can use their traditional Medicare benefits as they did before. The hospice team can answer any questions and walk the family through the process, so they understand how their Medicare benefits work.

• What is respite care?

  Respite care is a short-term service that allows primary caregivers to take a break while ensuring their loved one receives the care and support they need. It enables caregivers to take time off for rest, personal tasks, or other responsibilities, knowing their loved one is in capable hands. Hospice services frequently offer respite care by temporarily admitting the patient to a Medicare-approved facility, such as a nursing home, for a few days. During this time, the hospice team oversees the patient’s care, including medical and emotional support, while caregivers can rest. Respite care benefits both the caregiver and the patient by providing specialized care in a safe and supportive environment. When the respite period ends, the patient returns home to continue receiving hospice care from their primary caregiver.

• Does Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?

  Hospice care does not attempt to speed up the dying process. Hospice’s goal is not to shorten life, but to provide comfort and support at the end of life. Hospice services focus on symptom management, pain control, and meeting emotional and spiritual needs to ensure that the patient’s final days are as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Hospice care seeks to improve quality of life rather than extend it through aggressive treatments. The hospice team’s role is to respect the patient’s wishes and provide compassionate care while assisting both the patient and their loved ones during this difficult time. The emphasis is always on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than hastening death.

• Is hospice care covered by insurance?

  Yes, hospice care is usually covered by insurance. Medicare covers hospice services across the country. Most private insurance plans include hospice benefits, though the specifics differ depending on the insurer. When a referral is made to Hospice, the hospice team will verify the patient’s insurance coverage to ensure that benefits are applied correctly and to inform the patient and their family about any potential out-of-pocket costs. The goal is to make sure that patients receive the care they need without financial concerns becoming an additional burden during this time.

• Are Hospice staff available at night, weekends, and holidays for emergencies?

  Yes, our hospice services are available 24/7, including holidays. A nurse is always on call to ensure that patients and their families receive the care they require, no matter when a situation arises. Whether there is a medical concern, a change in symptoms, or simply a need for reassurance, the hospice team is always available to provide guidance.