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FREQUENTLY ASKED HOSPICE QUESTIONS


How does someone qualify for hospice?

Patients must meet two qualifications for hospice:

  1. 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.
  2. 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 members 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

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 mean 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.

What bereavement services are available through All Care Hospice?

All Care’s bereavement counselor meets with family members and friends to provide support for up to thirteen months after experiencing a loss.