What is Hospice Care?
Hospice is a specialized type of medical care focusing on quality of life and symptom management provided to patients with a life-limiting illness. Hospice focuses on caring, not curing.
Care begins when a physician determines a prognosis of six months or less. Also known as end of life care or comfort care, the patient and family are the center of treatment and are offered the support needed during the difficult journey.
Who qualifies for Hospice Care?
Hospice care is for any person who has a life-threatening or terminal illness, with a prognosis of six months or less, as determined by a physician. All hospices consider the patient and family together as the unit of care.
What is Palliative Care?
Both palliative care and hospice care focus on the quality of life, symptom management and comfort of the patient, but palliative care can begin at initial diagnosis and at the same time curative treatment is provided for that illness. Hospice care begins after a physician delivers a prognosis of six months or less, and curative treatments have been discontinued.
How is Hospice Care paid for?
Medicare covers 100% of approved hospice services. Other options for payment include commercial insurance, Medicaid, private pay and charity care.
Can I have Hospice Care in my own home?
Hospice is not a place. It is a type of care. Most commonly, hospice patients receive care in their own homes or those of a family member.
