HOSPICE CARE

Understanding Hospice Care: The Top 10 Questions Answered for Patients and Families

Making hard decisions about end-of-life care can be very challenging and emotional for patients and their families. Hospice care is a lesser-understood option that focuses on providing comfort and support during a very difficult time. To help you better understand what hospice care entails, we’ve compiled answers to the top 10 questions about hospice care for patients and families.

What’s hospice care?

Hospice care is a specialized type of home care designed to provide comfort, support, and symptom management for patients that have a terminal illness and physicians’ believe has a life expectancy of six months or less. The philosophy behind hospice care is to prioritize quality of life, peace, and comfort, recognizing that curing the patient’s disease is no longer possible. The primary goals of hospice care include alleviating pain and suffering, addressing emotional and spiritual needs, and supporting patients and their families throughout the end-of-life process.

Who qualifies for hospice care?

To qualify for hospice care, a patient must have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by at least two physicians. This prognosis is based on the natural course of the illness and assumes that no curative treatment is sought. The patient must also agree to the philosophy of hospice care, which prioritizes comfort and symptom management, rather than curative treatment.

What services does hospice care provide?

Hospice care provides a range of support services for patients and their families. These services can include:

A. Medical care and symptom management: Hospice care teams work closely with the patient’s attending physician to manage their pain and other symptoms associated with the terminal illness.

B. Emotional and spiritual support: Social workers, chaplains, and trained counselors provide emotional and spiritual guidance for patients and their families to help them cope with the challenges of this time.

C. Assistance with daily living activities: Hospice care can include support from trained home care aides who help with tasks of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and personal care.

D. Support for family members and caregivers: Hospice care also can provide respite care, education, and counseling to help family members and caregivers manage their own well-being and provide the best care possible for their loved one.

How does hospice care differ from traditional medical care?

Hospice care differs from traditional medical care in couple key ways:

1. Emphasis on comfort and quality of life: While traditional medical care often prioritizes curing or treating the disease, hospice care focuses on providing comfort and improving the patient’s quality of life.

2. Interdisciplinary team approach: Hospice care involves a team of professionals who are trained to work together and address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and their family.

Where can hospice care be provided?

Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including the patient’s home, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospital wing or free-standing hospice facilities. The choice of setting depends on the patient’s needs and preferences, as well as the availability of appropriate care and support in each location. The goal is to provide care to the patient in a comfortable home-like environment.

How is hospice care paid for?

Hospice care is often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans. For Medicare recipients, the Medicare hospice benefit covers hospice care services for eligible patients, while Medicaid and private insurance typically cover this service, although coverage may vary by state and plan. Out-of-pocket expenses and financial assistance options may also be available for patients and families who do not have insurance coverage or need additional support.

How to choose a hospice care provider?

Selecting the right hospice care provider is an important decision. Here’s some tips to help you choose the best provider for your needs:

A. Research and compare hospice providers: Gather information about hospice service providers in your area through online resources, referrals from healthcare professionals, or recommendations from friends and family.

B. Consider important factors: Evaluate each provider based on factors such as quality of care, staff expertise, family involvement, and the range of services offered. A great resource for this research is the Medicare Hospice compare website.

C. Ask questions: When speaking with potential providers, ask about their approach to care, their accreditation and certifications, and how they support patients and families throughout the hospice care process.

What is the role of the hospice care team?

The hospice care team is composed of various professionals who collaborate to provide comprehensive care for patients and their families. The team may include physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, and volunteers. Team members work together to ensure that the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met while also providing guidance and support for the family.

Can hospice care be stopped or changed?

Yes, hospice care can be stopped if the patient’s condition improves or if they decide to pursue curative treatment. Patients and their families have the right to revoke hospice care at any time, for any reason, and return to seeking traditional medical services covered by their insurance. In addition, patients can change hospice providers if they feel their needs are not being met by their current provider. In both cases, open communication and collaboration with healthcare professionals are crucial to ensuring the best possible care for the patient.

Final Thoughts

Understanding hospice care and discussing it with your loved ones, doctors and other care providers is crucial for making informed decisions about end-of-life care. By addressing these common questions, we hope to provide clarity and support for patients and their families, as they navigate the complex world of healthcare. If you have more questions or need assistance, reach out to Inspire Hospice for additional information and guidance.