What is Hospice?
For patients with a life-limiting illness, hospice is about managing their life. Hospice patients decide how and where they will spend the life they have left; and they can also choose what hospice benefits they want to receive. Hospice focuses on managing pain and symptoms, instead of curing the disease. Care is delivered by a qualified team of doctors, professional nurses, social workers, clergy and volunteers. In addition to helping patients live their days pain free, this team also assists patient and their family in preparing for the days ahead. This preparation can include everything from putting affairs in order to helping loved ones deal with grief. Hospice allows them to manage their life the way they want.
What Services are Available?
The hospice team can provide the following:
• Nurses who are experts in managing pain and symptoms
• Skilled nursing care is available, if necessary, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Assistance with personal care and feeding
• Help in planning for end-of-life issues
• Grief and loss support for family and friends
• Spiritual care
• Medication, supplies and equipment related to the terminal condition
How is Hospice Paid For?
Hospice is paid for in the same way as other medical services:
• Medicare Part A
• Medicaid
• Private insurance
• Private pay
Watch our Hospice 101 Video