Hospice FAQs

Hospice Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing hospice care is a significant decision, and it’s natural to have many questions. From understanding the services provided to learning about costs, eligibility, and what to expect, there’s a lot to consider. Below, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common and important questions to help guide you and your loved ones through this process with clarity and confidence.

Hospice care is often misunderstood, leading to many common myths about what it entails. Click the link to uncover the truth about these misconceptions and gain a clearer understanding of the compassionate support hospice provides.

Hospice Myths

Recognizing when someone is ready for hospice care can be challenging, but certain key indicators can help guide this decision. Click the link to learn about these important signs and how hospice can provide comfort and support during this time.

Hospice Key Indicators

What is hospice?

Hospice is compassionate care designed to bring comfort, dignity, and peace to people facing life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on managing pain and symptoms while offering emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. Hospice care aims to make each moment as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

Who provides hospice care?

Hospice care is delivered by a skilled team of caring professionals, including physicians, nurses, home health aides, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers. These experts work together to care for their patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

What services does hospice care provide?

Hospice care provides services tailored to each patient’s and family’s unique needs. These include expert pain and symptom management, regular visits from doctors and nurses, delivery of medications and medical equipment, help with daily activities like bathing, and emotional and spiritual support for patients and their loved ones.

How does hospice care work?

Hospice care begins with a referral and a meeting to understand the patient’s needs and wishes. The hospice team creates a personalized care plan and makes regular visits to provide care and support. A hospice nurse is available 24/7 for questions or urgent needs. The team partners with the patient’s family throughout the journey to deliver the best care and comfort possible.

How do I pay for hospice care? Will my insurance cover it?

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care costs. This coverage includes hospice team visits, medications, medical equipment, and supplies related to the patient’s condition. If you have questions, our team can help you navigate your benefits.

General Treatment Information

If I have home health, why do I need hospice care? Can hospice be provided at home?

Home health and hospice both provide care in your home but focus on different needs. Home health helps you recover or manage a condition, while hospice provides specialized comfort care and support when facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice also offers extra services like 24/7 on-call assistance, grief counseling, and support for your whole family.

Can hospice care be provided at home?

Hospice care comes to you, wherever you call home. Our hospice teams visit you to provide care, manage symptoms, and offer support, all in the comfort of a familiar setting.

What are the four levels of hospice care?

Hospice care includes four levels to meet different needs:
• Routine home care: Day-to-day home care with regular hospice team visits.
• General inpatient care: Care in a facility for severe symptoms that aren’t manageable at home.
• Continuous home care: Temporary, round-the-clock care provided at home during a medical crisis.
• Respite care: Short-term care

Do we have to stop treatment of the disease if we choose hospice care?

Hospice care is centered on comfort and quality of life rather than curing illness, so curative treatments are typically stopped. Instead, care continues in other ways, including symptom management, pain relief, and emotional support. The goal is for patients to live each day as comfortably and meaningfully as possible.

Getting Started

How do I initiate hospice care?

When you or a loved one is ready for hospice care, you can talk to your physician about a referral or contact us directly. We will work with you to assess your situation, explain options, and coordinate your care.

Why consider hospice care?

Hospice care helps you make the most of each day by providing expert care, pain relief, and emotional support for you and your family. Many people say they wish they had chosen hospice care sooner for the comfort and peace of mind it brings.

What does it mean when it's time to call hospice?

How do I know when it is time for end-of-life care?

Deciding when it’s time for hospice care is a personal and sometimes difficult choice, but your doctor can help guide you. Common key indicators include frequent hospitalizations, changed mental status or difficulty with daily living activities. You can talk with your doctor or contact us to learn more about your options.

Does receiving hospice care mean giving up?

No, hospice care is not about giving up. It’s about choosing to focus on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Hospice helps patients live fully in the time they have, offering support that makes each day as meaningful as possible for them and their loved ones.

What are the benefits of using hospice care?

Hospice care offers expert pain and symptom management, help with activities of daily living, and emotional and spiritual support for you and your family. You’ll have a dedicated care team focused on bringing comfort and peace of mind during this important time. Furthermore, this care comes to you at home, so you can stay in familiar surroundings with the people you love.

During Hospice Care

What happens if a patient’s health improves while receiving hospice care?

Sometimes, people get better while receiving hospice care, which is a wonderful outcome. You can end hospice care at any time if your health improves. If needed, you can always resume hospice care in the future.

What about grief and other emotions? Does hospice address those?

Grief, worry, and other complex emotions are natural during this journey. Hospice care includes access to counselors, social workers, and chaplains who support you and your loved ones. Our compassionate experts can help you process your feelings, find comfort, and discover moments of peace during this time.

How does hospice keep the patient comfortable?

Our hospice teams focus on keeping patients comfortable through careful symptom management. They help with pain relief, nausea control, and other physical symptoms, while also providing emotional support. The team works closely with your doctor to adjust medications and treatments as needed. In addition, nurses are available 24/7 to help with any discomfort that may arise.

For how long can a patient receive hospice care?

Hospice care does not have a set time limit. You can receive care as long as you meet specific medical criteria, including an anticipated life expectancy of six months or less. While doctors initially certify hospice care for six months, many patients receive care for longer if needed.

Does hospice support the family after the patient dies?

Yes, we continue to support families after the loss of their loved ones. Bereavement services include one-on-one counseling, support groups, remembrance events, and informational resources. Compassionate experts are available to walk alongside families during this difficult time.

The Family

Does hospice provide support to the family after the patient dies?

How do I talk to my family about my decision?

These conversations aren’t always easy. When you’re ready to discuss hospice care, find a quiet moment to sit down with your family. Share what’s on your mind and why this might be the right choice for you. Your family may have questions or worries, which is normal. Let them know how much their support means to you. If you’d like, the hospice team can help guide the conversation, dispel common myths and answer your family’s questions.

Will our family still have a voice in our loved one’s care if she’s in hospice?

Yes. You and your family are a vital part of your loved one’s care team, and your input helps guide every care decision. The hospice team meets regularly with families to discuss care plans, answer questions, and provide support for both your loved one and your family.

What support is available for family members and caregivers?

We’re here to support you and your loved one every step of the way. Family members receive caregiver training and education, around-the-clock phone support, and counseling services. The goal is to help you feel confident in caring for your loved one while also taking care of yourself. Additionally, you can also access bereavement support to help with grief.

Additional Questions

Are all hospices the same?

Every hospice must provide certain core services, but each has its own way of delivering that care. They may have different resources, service offerings, and team approaches. Some hospices are not-for-profit, while others are for-profit. It’s a good idea to compare options, ask about their care philosophy, and ensure they can provide the level of support you and your family need.

Are there different types of advance directives?

Yes, there are different kinds of advance directives. The main types include a living will, which states your medical care preferences if you can no longer speak for yourself, and a durable power of attorney for health care, which names a person you trust to make medical decisions for you. Your hospice team can help explain these options and guide you through the process.

Can hospice care be provided to children?

Hospice care for children is specially designed to meet the unique needs of young patients and their families. Unlike adult hospice care, pediatric hospice often allows children to continue treatments aimed at curing their illness while also receiving the comfort and support hospice provides. The focus is on improving quality of life and offering compassionate care during difficult times.

If I go to the hospital, can I still receive hospice care?

Yes, you can go to the hospital while receiving hospice care, but it’s best to call your hospice team first. They can often provide the same care at home, which many people prefer and is covered by your hospice benefit. If you need hospital care, your hospice team will work with the hospital to make sure you get the care you need.

If I live alone, can I still receive hospice services?

Yes, you can receive hospice care if you live alone. Hospice care is designed to meet you where you are. Our hospice team will create a care plan that ensures you have the support you need, including regular visits from nurses, aides, and volunteers. We can also help coordinate support from family, friends, or other caregivers when you need extra assistance.

Does hospice do anything to bring death sooner?

No, hospice does not do anything to hasten death. Hospice care provides comfort, manages symptoms, and improves the quality of life during a person’s remaining time. The goal is to ensure peace and dignity, not to shorten or prolong life unnaturally.

How do I select a hospice care provider?

To choose a hospice provider, start by asking your doctor or local friends for recommendations. When you look at potential providers, ask them about their experience, services, staff availability, and approach to care. You can also find a list of helpful questions from Medicare to guide you in making your choice.

How do I document my decision?

Talk with your doctor about your decision to start hospice care. To start services, you’ll need to complete some consent forms, which confirm your choice to enter hospice care. The hospice team will help you throughout this process. It’s also helpful to share your decision with your family and to have your wishes documented in an advance directive.

What are the requirements to qualify for hospice care?

To qualify for hospice care, a doctor needs to confirm that a person has a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life, so patients must also be ready to prioritize symptom management over curative treatments. These key indicators can help you decide if hospice is appropriate, and our team is here to help you understand these guidelines.

What does the hospice six-month requirement mean?

To start hospice care, a doctor must confirm that a person is expected to live six months or less, assuming the illness follows its usual course. However, people may receive hospice care for more than six months if needed. Care can continue as long as a doctor confirms it’s still appropriate.

What doesn’t hospice care provide?

Hospice care focuses on comfort instead of a cure, so it doesn’t offer treatments to reverse or cure the illness. It also doesn’t provide long-term, around-the-clock caregiving. Instead, hospice partners with families and other caregivers to ensure patients receive the care they need.

What happens during the hospice admission process?

Our team will support you throughout the admission process with care and empathy. We’ll review your needs, explain how hospice works, and create a care plan that fits your preferences. You’ll also complete some paperwork, such as consent forms, to enroll in hospice care officially. After this, your hospice team will schedule regular visits and provide a 24/7 phone number to call whenever you need support.

What is the philosophy behind hospice care?

At its heart, hospice believes everyone deserves comfort, dignity, and peace in their final months. We look at the whole picture, helping with physical comfort while supporting emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice is about adding meaning to each day and walking alongside patients and their loved ones on their journey.

What if I change my mind? What is the process for discontinuing hospice care?

You can leave hospice care at any time, and it’s simpler than you might think. Some people choose to stop hospice because their health improves, while others want to try different curative treatments. Just let your hospice team know and sign a form confirming your decision. And remember, if you qualify for hospice care again later, you’re always welcome to re-enroll.

What medications are used in hospice care?

Hospice care uses a variety of medications to manage symptoms, relieve pain, and keep patients as comfortable as possible. These include pain relievers like acetaminophen or opioids, as well as medications to help with nausea, anxiety, breathing difficulties, trouble sleeping, or agitation. Each patient receives a medication plan that fits their needs. The hospice team works together to provide patients with the relief they deserve.

What types of conditions are eligible for hospice care?

Hospice care is available for illnesses when the doctor expects that a condition will limit a patient’s life to six months or less. These conditions include cancer, advanced heart or lung disease, end-stage dementia, ALS, and other serious conditions. The focus is on your needs, not just your diagnosis. Your doctor or hospice provider can help determine if hospice is right for your situation.

How often does the hospice nurse or doctor visit?

Hospice nurses typically visit two to three times each week and can come more often if you need them. Other team members, like home health aides, social workers, and chaplains, will also visit regularly. A hospice doctor is always available when needed. Remember, you can call us anytime, day or night if you require help between visits.

What if a hospice patient has special needs?

If a hospice patient has special needs, our team will customize a plan to address them. This plan may involve specific medical equipment, therapies, or other additional forms of support. Hospice is designed to adapt to each person’s unique circumstances to make certain that all patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care.

What if my loved one needs special equipment?

If your loved one needs special equipment, hospice care can help. Most necessary medical equipment, such as hospital beds, oxygen machines, or mobility aids, is provided as part of hospice services. We will arrange the delivery and setup of the equipment and teach you how to use it. This ensures your loved one has everything they need to stay comfortable and safe.

My family member is already in a nursing home. Why would she need hospice services there?

While nursing homes provide excellent daily care, hospice adds a specialized focus on end-of-life needs. Nursing home staff continue providing routine care, while the hospice team offers expertise in managing pain and symptoms, emotional and spiritual support, and resources for your family. Both teams work closely together for a holistic approach to care.

Can you talk to my loved one about hospice without mentioning death or dying? They aren't aware of what’s going on.

This is a delicate situation, one that many families face. While honesty and clear communication are crucial in hospice care, every situation is unique, especially when dealing with conditions like dementia. The hospice team has experience handling sensitive conversations and will work with your family to determine the most appropriate and respectful way to discuss care with your loved one.

Can a patient who has left hospice care come back?

Yes, you can return to hospice care if you need it and your doctor confirms you meet the medical requirements. Some people leave hospice when their condition improves and return later when they need additional support. Your doctor can help you restart services when the time is right.

Can a patient be kicked out of hospice care?

You can receive hospice services as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. If your condition improves or stabilizes, you may be discharged from hospice services, which is often good news! If your condition worsens again in the future, you can always return to hospice care.

Does hospice discontinue food and water for patients?

No, hospice does not withhold food or water from patients. The team works with you to ensure your loved one’s comfort, which includes help with eating and drinking based on their desire and ability. If a patient naturally begins to want less food or water, the hospice team will compassionately support them and their family through these changes.

What if my family needs more information?

We’re here to help with any questions you may have. Please get in touch with us to speak with a team member. They can provide more information or set up a visit to talk about your family’s needs. You can also visit our hospice page to learn more about our services.

Should I include hospice care in my advance care planning?

Yes, including your wishes about hospice care in your advance care planning is a good idea. By planning ahead, you can share what type of end-of-life care you prefer, especially if you want support focused on comfort. This helps your loved ones and healthcare providers honor your wishes when the time comes. If you change your mind, you can always revise your decisions later.

Does hospice include 24/7 care?

Hospice team members don’t stay in your home full-time, but they are always available when you need them. You can reach your care team by phone 24/7 for urgent needs, and they make regular visits based on your care plan. During times of medical crisis, the team can provide temporary, intensive support to manage symptoms and keep you or your loved one comfortable.

How does hospice benefit people with advanced dementia?

Hospice brings comfort and support to people with advanced dementia as well as their families. The team is trained to recognize needs that your loved one might be unable to express clearly. They know how to manage symptoms like pain, agitation, and eating difficulties with gentle, personalized care. For families, the team provides practical guidance, emotional support, and relief from caregiving when needed, making each day a little easier.

Is it true that hospice care is only for the very end of life, with days or hours left to live?

No, that’s a common misconception. Hospice care is available for people with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. Beginning earlier gives you more time to benefit from pain management, comfort care, and support services. Many patients and families find that starting sooner helps everyone make the most of their time together.

Who can make a referral to hospice?

Anyone can make a referral to hospice. While doctors often make these referrals, patients, family members, caregivers, or other providers can also contact us to start the conversation. From there, we will work with you to determine eligibility and the next steps.

Will I be the only hospice patient receiving care from the hospice team?

While your hospice team cares for other families, you will always receive the personal attention you need. We create a care plan that’s just for you, and your team will support you and your family every step of the way. You can reach us anytime; your well-being is always our top priority.

What role does the hospice volunteer serve?

Hospice volunteers are caring community members who support you and your family. They’re trained to help in many ways, including friendly visits, sharing music, running errands, or bringing therapy pets to brighten your day. Our volunteers offer an extra touch of kindness that can make each day a little easier, whether they’re spending time with you or giving your family caregivers a short break.

Do state and federal reviewers inspect hospice agencies?

Yes, we regularly undergo thorough reviews to ensure we provide excellent care. These reviews help make sure we’re meeting the highest standards in everything we do. It’s one way we show our commitment to giving you and your family the very best care possible.

How can I know that quality hospice care is being provided?

Quality hospice care begins with choosing a provider you trust. Look for a Medicare-certified hospice with a good reputation in your community. You’ll know you’re getting quality care when your team responds quickly to your needs, keeps you comfortable, and supports both you and your family. If you want to learn more, Medicare’s Compare Care website can help you research local hospice agencies.

What happens if I can no longer stay home due to increased care needs?

If your care needs increase and it’s no longer possible to stay at home, hospice care can be provided in another setting, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility. Your hospice team will help you and your family during this transition and make sure you receive the same compassionate care, no matter where you are.

What role does the hospice team play in patient care?

The hospice team works together to care for you and your loved ones. Your team includes nurses, doctors, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, and trained volunteers. Each team member brings unique skills to help you live as comfortably as possible. They coordinate your care, visit regularly, and are available around the clock if you need help.

How does hospice care address spiritual and emotional needs?

Your emotional and spiritual needs matter just as much as your physical comfort. Our team includes chaplains and counselors who support you in ways that honor your beliefs and values. They listen, provide comfort and guidance, and walk alongside you during this journey. And because we know this time affects the whole family, our support also extends to your loved ones, helping everyone find strength and peace.

What training and qualifications do hospice staff have?

How can I get more information or contact a hospice provider?

To learn more about hospice care, contact us. We are here to answer your questions and help you understand your options. You can also explore our hospice resources or speak with your doctor about hospice services.