What is hospice care?
Hospice care is a special kind of care for people with life-limiting conditions. The services are provided by a team of health care professionals who maximize comfort for a person who is terminally ill by reducing pain and addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. To help families, hospice care also provides counseling, respite care and practical support. Unlike other medical care, the focus of hospice care isn’t to cure the underlying disease. The goal is to support the highest quality of life possible for whatever time remains.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice goes to the patient, wherever they call home: private residence, skilled nursing facility, assisted living, etc. Our team goes where the patient is.
Who is eligible for hospice?
Anyone who has a life-limiting, terminal illness with a life expectancy of 6 months or less and is no longer receiving curative treatments is eligible to receive hospice care.
What does hospice care provide?
Hospice provides a team of people including
- Physician
- Nurses
- Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)
- Social Worker
- Spiritual Counselor
- Music Therapist
- Volunteers
- Therapists
- Medication to manage symptoms related to the terminal illness
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Coaching for the family on how to provide care
Who pays for services?
Costs are covered by Medicare, MediCal/Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Patients also retain their full Medicare and MediCal/Medicaid coverage for any healthcare needs or services not related to their hospice diagnosis.
Can I keep my physician?
Yes, patients are able to keep their primary care physician. Our doctors and nurses will work closely with the primary care physician to ensure quality care.
Is hospice care provided 24 hours a day?
Whether it’s after hours, weekends, and/or holidays, our team of professionals are available to triage symptoms by phone, or visit if needed for the comfort and wellbeing of our patients.
Will my medications be discontinued?
Hospice does not automatically stop all medications. Instead, the hospice nurse will review all current medications with the patient, family, and doctors. Together, they will determine which medications should be continued, changed, added, or stopped.
Can I change my mind about hospice?
Hospice does not have to be a permanent choice. A patient or family may choose to stop hospice care at any time.
Does hospice provide grief support?
Hospice provides bereavement care and counseling to the surviving family.
