What is hospice?

Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care at the end-of-life, hospice involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. Support is extended to the patient’s loved ones as well. At the center of hospice is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.

The focus is on caring, not curing, and, in most cases, care is provided in the patient’s home.

Will patients have to change doctors?

No, the majority of physicians continue caring for their patients who enter the hospice program. Hospice staff works closely with a patient’s physician, designing a plan that best addresses the patient’s pain care management.

Where is hospice care provided?

Members of the hospice staff make regular visits to assess the patient and provide additional care or other services. Hospice staff is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each patient’s individual needs for pain management and symptom control.

How do I pay for hospice?

Medicare, private health insurance, and Medicaid (in 43 states) cover hospice care for patients who meet the eligibility criteria.