Families considering hospice care should understand several key aspects to ensure their loved one receives the best possible support. Here are the most important things to know:
Hospice is About Comfort, Not a Cure
- The focus is on relieving pain, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life while managing the symptoms of a terminal illness.
- Patients typically qualify if they have a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician.
Hospice Care Can Be Provided Anywhere
- Home Hospice: Many patients receive care in their own homes.
- Hospice Facilities: Some specialized centers provide 24/7 hospice care.
- Hospitals & Nursing Homes: If home care isn’t possible, hospice can be provided in these settings.
A Team-Based Approach
- Hospice involves doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, home aides, and volunteers to support both the patient and family.
- Family members remain involved in caregiving, but hospice staff provides training and assistance.
Hospice Services are Covered by Insurance
- Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care.
- It includes medical equipment, medications, and support services related to the terminal illness.
Families Receive Emotional & Bereavement Support
- Counseling, spiritual care, and support groups help families cope with grief.
- Hospice typically provides bereavement services for up to a year after a loved one’s passing.
You Can Leave Hospice if Needed
- Patients can stop hospice and return to curative treatment at any time if their condition improves or if they change their mind.
Starting Hospice Early Can Improve Quality of Life
- Many families wait too long to start hospice, missing out on months of comfort and support that could have improved the patient’s final days.