Hospice FAQ:

How does someone qualify for Hospice?

Patients must meet two qualifications for Hospice:

• Two physicians, the attending physician and the hospice medical director, must certify the patient is terminally ill, with a six-month or less life expectancy if the disease takes its normal course.
• The patient and/or family must be aware of the prognosis and elect palliative or comfort care, rather than active curative measures.

Where is hospice care provided?                                                                       

Hospice services are available wherever the patient resides:  the patient’s own home, family member’s home, assisted living facility, skilled nursing and long term care facilities, or hospital.

Who is on the Hospice Team?

• Your physician
• Hospice-trained nurses
• Hospice Medical Director
• Social workers
• Chaplains
• Grief counselors
• Home health aides
• Volunteers

Who pays for Hospice services?                                                                            

Hospice services are provided by Medicare nation-wide, for patients 65 years of age and older. Medicaid pays for Hospice services in some 47 states. Also most private Health Insurances Policy’s cover Hospice services.

How much do Hospice services cost?                                                                      

When a Medicare-eligible patient receives service from a Medicare-approved hospice, Medicare covers all services, medications and medically necessary supplies related to the life-limiting illness for the hospice patient.

Do patients have to give up their own doctor under hospice care?                      

Patients keep their own physician who works closely with the All Care Hospice Medical Director to plan and carry out care.

Do patients only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time?                    

The Medicare benefit, and most private insurance companies, pays for hospice care as long as the patient continues to meet the criteria necessary. Patients may come on and off hospice care, and re-enroll in hospice care, as needed.

Does hospice means that the patient will die soon?                                  

Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope or that death is imminent. The earlier an individual receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize a patient’s medical condition and address other needs. Some patients can improve and may be discharged from hospice care.

Is hospice just for the patient?                                                                     

Hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support. The quality of life for the patient, but also family members and others, who are caregivers, is top priority.

Do I have to belong to a religious organization?                                               

All Care Hospice cares for people of all faith traditions, and you do not need to be part of a religious organization.  We welcome the participation of your clergy, and will collaborate with them at your request. 

What spiritual care is available through All Care Hospice?                            

Our hospice chaplain is available to support patients and their families.  They can discuss issues such as hope, trust, forgiveness, and fear of the unknown and spiritual wholeness.