Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Care

Despite the many capabilities of modern medical science, many people still develop terminal conditions. If you or someone you care for has received such a diagnosis, hospice care can provide much-needed medications, therapies, and any other support necessary to ensure optimal patient comfort at this critical time.

A basic knowledge of hospice care, from what it does and doesn't provide to the available payment options, can help you understand whether this form of care makes sense for your situation. The answers to the following frequently asked questions should help you get a firmer grasp on this important subject.

What Does Hospice Care Involve?

Hospice care is a type of end-of-life nursing care. Individuals with terminal health problems may or may not choose to fight back with curative treatment. Those who opt to stop direct treatment of a terminal ailment can turn to a hospice team for skilled nursing care with the aim of easing and managing their symptoms.

Hospice care encompasses a variety of supportive services. In addition to skilled nursing care and medical supervision, a hospice provider can help home caregivers monitor and care for loved ones while also offering emotional counseling, access to spiritual care, and assistance with end-of-life arrangements.

How Does Hospice Care Differ From Palliative Care?

Many people confuse hospice care with another type of care known as palliative care, and for good reason. Both types of care focus on treating symptoms related to complex, serious medical conditions. However, palliative care may also include treatment to cure the condition itself, while hospice care does not.

Another difference between these two types of care involves access to treatment. You can receive palliative care at any stage of a chronic ailment, from the initial diagnosis to the terminal stage. However, you can't receive hospice care until your doctor declares that you most likely have no more than six months to live.

Where Does Hospice Care Take Place?

If you decide to pursue hospice care, you have options as to where you'll receive it. Unlike palliative care, which typically requires a stay in a hospital or other nursing facility, hospice care can take place either at a nursing care facility or in the familiar surroundings of your own home.

If you choose home hospice care, your family or other household caregivers will administer any prescribed medication and provide for your other basic needs, with the hospice team educating them on everything they need to know. However, you also get regular professional visits and round-the-clock hospice team access.

Although most people opt for home hospice care, you can also receive it in a nursing home, hospital, or dedicated hospice facility if your condition makes it necessary. You can reverse this decision at any time. You may also discontinue hospice care if your condition improves unexpectedly or you want more aggressive treatment.

How Do People Pay for Hospice Care?

Hospice providers typically accept private insurance, governmental insurance programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, and cash payments to help cover the cost of care. Many seniors in need of hospice care pay for it through their Medicare Part A coverage.

Medicare imposes certain restrictions on how and where you can receive hospice care. For instance, you must receive your care from a Medicare-approved provider and submit a doctor's statement confirming your terminal condition. You must also waive other Medicare coverage not directly related to hospice services.

Don't panic if you don't have health insurance or other means of paying for hospice care. Some hospice centers offer charity care for people who qualify for hospice services but lack the necessary financial resources. 

Haven in Allyn can serve as your all-in-one resource when you seek the right nursing care for yourself or a loved one. In addition to hospice care, we also offer a wide range of assisted living and home care services. Contact us to schedule a consultation so we can help you choose the right path.