Everything you need to know about Hospice Care

• What is hospice?

  Hospice care is compassionate care for all people diagnosed with a terminal or life-limiting illness.

  We provide expert medical care tailored to the patient's needs at HOPE Healthcare and Hospice. This includes but is not limited to pain and symptom management and emotional and spiritual support.

  

• Where can I receive hospice care?

  The goal at HOPE Healthcare and Hospice is to provide care to our patients wherever they call home. Our care can be provided in the patient’s own home, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and memory care centers. We will also provide care to those who do not have a permanent living arrangement.

• If I choose hospice care, does it mean that I have to give up my treatment?

  Our mission at HOPE Healthcare and Hospice is to partner with eligible patients and their loved ones to provide an experience that is personal, comforting, and full of life’s most important moments.

  We will not ask you to give up any measure that helps to keep you comfortable and is deemed necessary by the physician. In fact, some patients chose to continue receiving therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech. 

  HOPE Healthcare and Hospice will also cover all medications related to your terminal diagnosis. We will also ensure that you get the necessary supplies and medical equipment to be comfortable.

• How should I have the hospice conversation with my loved one?

  Our HOPE Healthcare and Hospice team of nurses, social workers, and chaplains are specially trained and always prepared and available to guide you in difficult conversations with your loved ones. 

  Hospice is a wonderful benefit that provides the patient and their family members with tremendous support and guidance.

• How do I pay for hospice care?

  The Hospice Benefit is covered at 100% by Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid. Most private insurance will cover hospice services. However, they may require that remaining deductibles and coinsurance be met.

  HOPE Healthcare and Hospice will provide care to eligible patients regardless of their ability to pay for services. Furthermore, patients nor families ever receive a bill from HOPE Healthcare and Hospice for our services. 

• If I choose hospice care, does it mean I'm giving up hope?

  HOPE Healthcare and Hospice clinicians focus on giving you the best quality of life. Our treatment focuses on managing your symptoms, particularly on controlling pain and discomfort.

  You can continue to see your doctor, go on outings, visit with friends and family, and do everything you enjoy. We are here to help you do whatever you want to do when you want to do it.

• Do I have to sign a DNR?

  A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, Living Will, or any other Advanced Directives form is not required to receive care with HOPE Healthcare and Hospice. Our team will assist you with information to ensure we meet your wishes.

• Who is eligible for hospice care?

  The Hospice benefit is available to patients deemed eligible by their physician. The benefit serves patients living with AIDS, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, cancer, chronic lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and any other terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.

• How do I get hospice care?

  A hospice information visit can be requested by anyone and is at NO COST to you. Our team will inform you of the benefit you may be eligible to receive. We will also assess your needs and answer any questions that you may have. Once your needs have been evaluated, we speak with your physician and our hospice medical director to determine if you qualify for the hospice benefit.

• What if I decide I do not want hospice care any longer?

  If at any time you decide you no longer want hospice care, you can stop services. Hospice is an elected benefit; if canceled, you can resume your traditional Medicare benefits.

  At times, patients' conditions improve, and they are no longer eligible for hospice benefits. If this happens, our team can help you with additional resources if you qualify.

• Hospice vs Palliative Care

  Palliative Care and Hospice Care are both types of care meant to improve the quality of life for ill patients. However, there are some critical differences between the two.

  Palliative care is designed to relieve illness symptoms while a patient pursues curative treatment; in contrast, hospice care provides symptom management and support for those nearing the end of their life. Hospice care also offers additional support for families as well.