Frequently asked questions about hospice care

Hospice nurses and physicians are highly skilled in pain and symptom management. They’re also up to date on the latest medications and devices to provide pain relief. Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain. Counselors, including clergy, are available to assist family members and patients.

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

No. Hospice does nothing to speed up or slow down the dying process. Just as physicians and midwives lend support and expertise during birth, hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.

No. Although most hospice services are delivered in a patient's home, some patients live in nursing homes or in hospice centers.

There’s no set number. One of the first things the hospice team will do is prepare an individualized care plan that addresses the amount of care a patient needs. Hospice staff visit regularly and are always accessible to answer questions and provide support and education to caregivers. Care is kept as simple as possible.

In the early weeks of care, it’s usually not necessary for someone to be with the patient at all times. As care progresses, fall risks may increase and patients often feel anxious about being alone. At that point, we generally recommend having someone present continuously. Our hospice team is available around the clock to support families and make night visits when needed. Care is kept as simple as possible.

Our hospice team will assess your needs, recommend any necessary equipment, and make arrangements to obtain it. Often, the need for equipment is minimal at first and increases as the disease progresses.

Certainly. If the condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, the patient can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or resume daily life. If a discharged patient later needs to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance plans will allow additional coverage.

Hospice coverage is widely available. It's provided nationwide by Medicare, Medicaid, and by most private health insurance policies. To verify coverage, our team may assist you in contacting your insurance provider.

The first thing hospice will do is help families determine whether the patient is eligible for any coverage they may not be aware of. Hospice is able to provide care to those who don’t have the ability to pay due to generous donations from individuals, organizations, corporations, foundations, and businesses. Each contribution is deeply appreciated.

If you know someone who could benefit from hospice services, contact your physician for a referral.

One of the first things hospice will do is contact the patient’s primary physician to make sure they agree that hospice care is appropriate at this time. The patient will also be asked to sign consent and insurance forms.

The hospice election form confirms the patient understands that the care is palliative (aimed at pain relief and symptom management) rather than curative. It also outlines the services available. The form Medicare patients sign also explains how electing the Medicare hospice benefit affects other Medicare coverage for a terminal illness.

Advance care planning is the process of thinking about the health care choices you would want in the future if you were unable to speak for yourself—and then sharing those wishes with your loved ones, providers, and your hospital so they can follow them when the time comes.

It involves:

• Reflecting on your personal beliefs, goals, and values
• Understanding your options
• Discussing your choices
• Documenting your decisions

Advance care planning allows you to document your health care choices for a time when others may have to make decisions for you. You have the right to accept or refuse health care. Thinking now about what you want later gives you the time—without pressure—to reflect on what’s truly important to you before a crisis occurs.

An advance directive is a legal document, completed and signed by you, stating your health care treatment and care choices, including your living will. It usually names your health care power of attorney (HPOA)—the person you choose to make health care decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to speak for yourself. This becomes an important guide for your health care proxy and medical team, who are obligated to follow it when you’re near the end of your life and unable to speak for yourself.

You can change any part of your advance directive at any time while you’re still able to communicate.

• Create and review an advance directive.
• Talk with your physician about treatment and care options.
• Review your advance directive regularly to make sure it reflects your wishes and update it if your health or circumstances change.
• Share your choices with your family, health care agents and providers, and give them and your hospital copies of your advanced directive.

Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for one year following the death of a loved one. The hospice program also offers support groups as part of their bereavement services.