10 Facts about Hospice Everyone Should Know
facts about hospice everyone should know (153), hospice information (185) At a time when many people are struggling with serious illnesses, hospice care can provide much-needed support and comfort. Whether you are considering hospice for yourself or a loved one, it is important to be aware of some facts about hospice that everyone should know.
1. Hospice is not just for cancer patients.
In fact, hospice care is appropriate for any patient with a terminal illness who has a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care is also appropriate for patients who have chosen to forego further active treatment of their illness and instead focus on comfort and quality of life.
2. Hospice can take place in many locations.
Hospice is a type of care and can be provided in many different settings, including the patient’s home, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. In some cases, hospice care may even be provided in the hospital setting, if the patient’s condition has advanced to a point where inpatient care is no longer necessary. Know that you have options when it comes to where hospice is taking place.
3. Hospice is a philosophy of care.
While many people think of hospice as an institution or facility, it is actually more of a philosophy that emphasizes comfort and quality of life for patients who are facing a terminal illness. This philosophy focuses on providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care to patients and their loved ones, as well as prioritizing patient autonomy and dignity.
4. Hospice is about more than just medical care.
While hospice does provide patients with skilled medical care and pain management, it also focuses on providing emotional support and social services. This can include help from social workers, counselors, spiritual advisors, and/or volunteers who are available to assist families and help them navigate their grief and loss.
5. Hospice helps patients and their loved ones prepare for the end of life.
Part of the hospice philosophy is helping patients and their families come to terms with their illness, plan for death and grieving, develop advance care plans, and discuss end-of-life wishes. Many people find it helpful to have this difficult conversation before it’s necessary, and hospice can help you do so by providing information, support, and resources.
6. Hospice care is covered by Medicare.
Medicare covers hospice care for eligible patients, which means that the cost of a patient’s end-of-life care is fully covered by Medicare. This includes any doctor visits and medications related to the terminal illness, as well as medical equipment and supplies used to provide comfort and care to the patient. Most families do not pay out of pocket when it comes to hospice care, which may come as a surprise.
7. Hospice care is often entered into later than it should be.
Unfortunately, many patients and their loved ones wait until the late stages of a terminal illness to consider hospice care. This means that patients do not receive all of the benefits that hospice has to offer, including comfort care and emotional support in navigating grief and loss. By educating yourself about hospice care and discussing it with your doctor early on, you can ensure that you are able to make the most of this valuable resource.
8. Hospice care offers options for those who are uninsured.
If you do not have Medicare or private insurance, there are still options for receiving hospice care. Many hospice programs offer sliding scale payment options based on income, and some even offer free care to those who qualify. Additionally, many hospitals and nursing homes have their own hospice programs that may be able to provide care at little or no cost to the patient.
9. Hospice care is provided by a team of specialists.
Hospice care is not just a team of medical doctors – it is provided by a team of specially trained professionals who work together to provide the best possible care for patients and their families. This team may include nurses, social workers, counselors, chaplains, spiritual advisors, and volunteers to provide care across the spectrum.
10. Hospice care provides families with support during a difficult time.
At the end of life, patients and their families are often faced with many challenges – both emotionally and practically. This can include managing grief and loss, navigating medical bills and insurance, caring for loved ones, and making difficult decisions. Hospice care can help support families through this process by providing resources, information, and emotional support.
Whether you are considering hospice care for yourself or a loved one, it is important to understand what hospice has to offer – both physically and emotionally. By learning more facts about hospice, you can make informed decisions and ensure that you are able to receive the best possible care during this difficult time. Once you're ready to find the right hospice care facility, browse Ever Loved's database of hospices to read real reviews, find out hospice information and get in touch with locations near you or your loved one.
