Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Care

The long-term survival of hospice in America depends on a public that is fully aware of the benefits of hospice care services. According to a survey conducted by the National Hospice Foundation, 75% of Americans do not know that hospice care can be provided in the home, and 90% did not realize that hospice care is a benefit of Medicare & Medicaid paid at 100%. However this survey also showed that Americans want the kind of end-of-life services offered through hospice care.

Please take a few minutes to learn more about hospice care and share this information with others.

What are some questions that you should ask when looking for a hospice program?

Hospice care is a philosophy of care that accepts dying as a natural part of life. When death is inevitable, hospice seeks neither to hasten nor postpone it. Below is a list of questions you should consider when looking for a hospice program.

• Is this a Medicare/Medicaid certified provider?
• What services are provided?
• What kind of support is available to the family/caregiver?
• Does this program allow my personal physician to remain involved in hospice care?
• What does the hospice volunteer do?
• How will you work to keep the patient comfortable?
• How are services provided after hours?
• How and where does hospice provide short-term inpatient care?
• Do you have a contract with the long-term care facility that I might choose?

How can you afford hospice care?

More than eighty percent of people who use hospice care are over the age of 65, are covered by Medicare Part A, and are thus entitled to the services offered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit. This benefit covers virtually all aspects of hospice care. The regular Medicare benefits still apply for all care not directly connected to the hospice diagnosis. As a result, the financial burdens usually associated with caring for a terminally ill patient are virtually nonexistent. In addition, most private health plans and Medicaid in 45 States and the District of Columbia cover hospice services.

Where does hospice care take place?

The majority of hospice patients are cared for in their own homes or the homes of a loved one. "Home" is defined as the patient's residence, whether that is a private home, an assisted living facility, or nursing home. If the patient's needs require, inpatient care is also available.

How does hospice serve patients and families?

Hospice care is a patient and family-centered approach that includes, at a minimum, a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, counselors, Chaplains, and trained volunteers. They work collaboratively focusing on the patient's needs, whether they are physical, psychological, or spiritual. The goal is to help keep the patient as comfortable as possible, with loved ones nearby.

Below is a list of services available to Medicare hospice recipients.

• Physician services for the medical direction of the patient's care.
• Regular home visits by registered nurses.
• Certified nurses aides and for personal care services such as dressing and bathing.
• Social work and counseling.
• Spiritual support through hospice Chaplains or other clergy.
• Medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheel chairs and walkers.
• Medical supplies such as incontinent and wound care supplies.
• Drugs for symptom control and pain relief.
• Volunteer support to assist patients and loved ones.
• Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and dietary counseling.

What role do volunteers play in hospice care?

Hospice provides trained volunteers to aid the family and patients. Hospice volunteers are trained to provide companionship and support for the patient and brief breaks for the caregivers. Perhaps the most important skill, however, is their ability to be "good listeners."

Who qualifies for hospice care?

Hospice care is for any person with an advanced medical condition and a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. Although hospice care began caring primarily for cancer patients, today all life-threatening illnesses and conditions are included in hospice care.