FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Hospice is a source of hospice information for patients, families, caregivers and health care partners. This site is intended to provide resources for the community to educate themselves on the facts about hospice so that they can make more informed decisions about health care. Below are some frequently asked questions about our company and hospice services. If you have additional questions, feel free to submit them using the link on the right. We will contact you with an answer and post it below.
Who is appropriate for hospice?
A patient who has been diagnosed with an incurable, life-limiting condition. These patients have a poor prognosis with about six months of life left. Often, these patients realize that aggressive treatment has little chance of success and that the treatment will be painful and decrease quality of life. Hospice treats the pain and symptoms of the disease so that the patient can spend the remainder of life doing the things that are important to them.
When should I ask about hospice services?
If you or someone you care for has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, now is the time to talk about it. Ask your physician questions and do your research. Educating yourself on hospice and discussing your wishes and choices now can lead to better decisions when the time comes. Remember, hospice makes the most difference when it is utilized early in the disease progression.
Can I receive hospice care in an assisted living, nursing or other long-term care facility?
Yes. In addition to serving you in the home, hospice can provide services wherever you live.
Can I choose my hospice provider?
You have the RIGHT to choose your own hospice provider and that right to choose is protected by federal law.
How should I choose a hospice provider?
Before choosing a hospice provider, educate yourself on hospice and know what is important to you. You should then ask questions about potential providers. How fast can they admit patients? How long does the admission process take? Do they have staff on-call after hours if you need them? Will they see you face-to-face if you need help? What are their patient satisfaction scores? Remember, not all hospice agencies are the same. They must, by law, provide the same services, but often the quality of serice varies.
Does hospice cover medication?
The hospice benefit covers all medications related to the hospice diagnosis. When you are admitted to hospice care, there will be a reason, or diagnosis for why you are eligible for care. If medications are related to the pain and sympton management of that diagnosis, hospice will cover the cost of those medications.