Frequently Asked Questions about Hospice
Frequently Asked Questions
Hospice is care designed for patients with a life-limiting illness. Hospice is not where you go to die, rather, hospice professionals are trained to assist patients in living their lives fully, completely and without pain until the end of their lives.
Hospice patients and families receive care for an unlimited amount of time, depending upon the course of the illness. There is no fixed limit on the amount of time a patient may continue to receive hospice services. In most cases, patients in hospice care have a life expectancy of six months or less.
Medicare beneficiaries pay very little or nothing for hospice care. For those ineligible for Medicare, most insurance plans, HMO's, and managed care plans also cover hospice care.
Hospice care is provided wherever the patient may be: in their own or a family member's home, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. Hospice is also provided in in-patient units, VA Hospitals and some correctional facilities.
Family members are encouraged, supported, and trained by hospice professionals to care for their loved ones. For extra support, hospice staff is on call to the patient and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Hospice care is for patients with any type of life-limiting illness, including cancer, dementia, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, stroke and more.
Hospice is for anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age.
Bereavement services and grief support are available to family members for up to 13 months after the death of a patient.