When considering hospice care, people often have several key questions to ensure they make informed decisions for themselves or their loved ones. Here is a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about some of the most common inquiries:
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is a service for individuals with serious illnesses who are nearing the end of life. It focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment.
Who is eligible for hospice care?
Patients nearing end of life and their families typically consider hospice services when the patient starts to show decline in daily aspects of living or having reoccurring trips to the Emergency Room or hospital due to their disease progress. Eligibility typically requires a prognosis of 6 months or less to live, as determined by a physician, and patients must forgo curative treatments to receive Medicare coverage for hospice services.
When is the time to start hospice care?
Early enrollment in hospice can provide months of meaningful care and quality time with loved ones, yet many wait until the final weeks or days of life to begin hospice care. Generally, the best results occur when people focus on a horizon of about six months.
What services does hospice provide?
Hospice offers a range of services, including symptom and pain relief, emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family, and various therapies depending on individual needs. Hospice patients are cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, therapists, counselors, hospice aides, social workers, and volunteers. Each skilled professional provides assistance based on his or her own area of expertise.
What does hospice cost?
When the agency providing hospice services is Medicare certified, hospice services are completely covered under the patient’s Medicare benefit which means hospice services are at no cost to the patient.
Where do hospice services take place?
Hospice care is provided wherever the patient resides such as a private home, nursing home, assisted living facility, or hospital. Sometimes the hospice is delivered at a special hospice facility.
How does one choose among hospice providers?
When selecting hospice services consider the hospice’s reputation, length of operation, Medicare certification, accreditation, the family’s role in caregiving, and the ability to meet specific needs and provide extra services. It is reasonable to ask any questions of the provider that makes you secure in the decision.
What is the family’s role in the hospice journey?
Understanding the expectations for family involvement in caregiving is crucial, as it should align with what the family can realistically provide. A frank discussion with the hospice provider is important to define roles.
Are there limits on a patient’s current treatment?
It’s important to know if the hospice can continue any current treatments or if there are restrictions that could affect the patient’s care. Since Medicare generally does not cover curative treatments and hospice simultaneously, it is an important question to ask as you consider hospice.
If the patient recovers enough, can curative treatment be resumed?
Yes. If the patient’s condition improves or plateaus, the patient can be removed from hospice services. If the patient should need to return to hospice care later, Medicare and will allow additional coverage.
Does hospice require 24-hour care?
In the early weeks of coverage, it is usually not essential for someone to be with the patient all the time. Later, however, based upon the adjusting needs of the patient, hospice generally advises someone be there continuously to ensure that the patient is receiving proper care.
What is “crisis mode” in hospice terms?
Crisis mode means that patients receive continuous care on a short-term, constant basis to respond to uncontrolled symptoms.
What is “crisis response” in hospice terms?
Knowing how quickly the hospice can respond in an emergency, especially during off-hours, is essential for peace of mind. This, too, should be discussed when retaining a hospice provider.
What does “transitioning” mean in hospice terms?
Transitioning refers to the stage in the dying process when a patient enters into the “active dying” stage. This can last for hours or days, leaving caregivers and family both rewarded and exhausted during that time.
Does a hospice provider help the family after the patient dies?
Hospice provides continuing contact and support for caregivers for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Most hospices also sponsor bereavement groups and support for anyone in the community who has experienced a death of a family member, a friend or similar losses.