Hospice provides compassionate care to people at the end of their lives. Care is devoted to respecting the wishes of the patient and their family. Hospice is based on a holistic approach that provides a wide range of services, including support. The focus of hospice is caring, not curing. Care is provided in hospitals, nursing homes, the patient’s home or hospice facilities. Usually, a physician refers a patient to hospice care within the last six months of life.

Hospice care follows a team-oriented approach to medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. The team is usually made up of the patient and her family, her personal physician, a hospice physician, nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy and trained volunteers. 

Hospice staff are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The physicians provide the medical direction to the team. Nurses provide regular home care to monitor the patient’s condition and provide care to maintain the patient’s comfort. Home health aids will attend to the patient’s personal needs. Counselors and clergy provide counseling to the patients and their loved ones. Medical equipment, medical supplies and drugs are provided. Volunteers support the patient and family according to their needs.

Finding a program that meets your needs may take some research, but it will be time well spent. Ask your physician or discharge planner to help you locate the hospice organizations in your area. A call to the American Cancer Society, United Way or Visiting Nurse Association might also be helpful.

Is the agency accredited by a nationally-recognized, accrediting body? (This usually means they have a high standard and provide quality care.)

Is the hospice program Medicare-certified? (These programs have met federal requirements for patient care.)

How many years has the agency been serving the community? Can they provide references from professionals such as physicians and social workers?

How flexible is the organization? Are they willing to provide the services you want and need?

How does the agency handle payment and billing? What resources does the agency provide to help you find financial assistance?

Medicare, Medicaid and many private health insurance companies cover hospice care for patients who meet the eligibility criteria. There may be co-pays and deductibles that apply. Many hospices rely on community support for donations. Most hospice services are based upon need, rather than the ability to pay. Before services begin, find out what the costs will be and what will and will not be covered. 

State Medicaid Programs Toll-Free Numbers