Q: Is hospice only for cancer patients?

A: No. Hospice is for anyone diagnosed with a terminal illness when the life expectancy is 6 months or less. Terminal illnesses include, but are not limited to Alzheimer’s, Dementia, COPD, CHF, AIDS, ALS, and end stage neurological, renal, heart, or liver disease.

Q: Is hospice a place?

A: No. Hospice is a philosophy of healthcare promoting comfort and quality of life. Hospice care is provided as a healthcare benefit by Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and most commercial insurance plans. Hospice care can take place in a Medicare licensed facility or any place a patient calls home.

Q: Does receiving hospice mean I am giving up hope?

A: No. Patients receiving hospice care are encouraged to live every moment of life to the fullest. Hospice care promotes quality of life at all stages of life.

Q: Can I receive chemotherapy and hospice services at the same time?

A: If chemotherapy is being used to cure cancer, it is not considered hospice appropriate. However, if chemotherapy is being used as a comfort measure to promote quality of life, it is considered hospice appropriate. One example of appropriate use of chemotherapy during hospice would be to reduce the size of a tumor pressing on a vital organ. 

Q: Who pays for hospice care?

A: Hospice is a healthcare benefit provided by Medicare, Medicaid, VA including Tricare, and most commercial insurance plans. Hospice care, medications, durable medical equipment, and supplies related to the patient’s terminal illness are covered by most insurance providers at 100%.

Q: What if I do not have insurance – can I still receive hospice care?

A: Yes. The hospice intake team will work with you to determine if you are eligible for other benefits to help cover costs associated with hospice care and work with you to determine financial responsibility. 

Q: Is hospice care provided 24/7 or will I still need a caregiver?

A: Hospice care is in addition to the care provided by the patient’s primary caregiver and is scheduled based on the patient’s needs and specialized plan of care.

Q: What do hospice volunteers do?

A: Hospice volunteers offer their time and talents to patients and their families. Hospice volunteers assist with daily activities and sit with patients while families may choose to run errands. During this time, volunteers cater to the wishes of the patient and may sing, play an instrument, read, watch a favorite television show, or reminisce about moments that are meaningful to the patient.

Q: How does hospice manage pain and provide comfort to patients?

A: Hospice nurses and physicians use a combination of effective medications, counseling, and various therapies such as music, massage, and pet therapy to relieve pain, discomfort, and anxiety in patients. 

Q: What medications are used during hospice care?

A: During hospice care, medications used to reduce pain and anxiety are prescribed by the hospice physician and may include morphine. Depending on various factors such as drug interactions, comfort needs, quality of life, and a patient’s wishes, existing medications may be reconciled. The hospice care team provides continuous education to patients and families regarding medication use and changes. 

Q: How long can a patient receive hospice care?

A: Medicare guidelines initially allow 6 months of hospice care. However, care can last longer than 6 months if a doctor certifies that the patient still meets hospice eligibility requirements. 

Q: Am I required to sign a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) while on hospice?

A: No. Under Medicare guidelines, a DNR is optional and not a requirement for hospice eligibility.

Q: What happens if I change my mind and no longer want hospice care?

A: Hospice is a choice and can be revoked at any time. Some patients who wish to seek curative treatment revoke hospice services and often resume care when curative treatment is no longer an option. 

Q: How does hospice support families after the patient passes away?

A: Hospice provides optional bereavement or grief support to families for up to one year after the passing of their loved one.

Q: How can I begin receiving hospice care?

A: A physician must write an order to evaluate and treat a patient for hospice. This can take place in a hospital or physician’s office. In a hospital setting, the assigned hospital case manager or social worker will send a referral for hospice to your hospice provider of choice. If the hospice order is coming from your physician’s office, the medical assistant generally forwards the hospice order to your provider of choice. Once the hospice referral and order are received by the hospice provider, you will receive a phone call within one hour to schedule a hospice consult, evaluation, and assessment to help determine your needs and eligibility for hospice services. Upon agreement to begin services, a consent form is signed and admission to services is scheduled.