What comes to mind when you hear the word “hospice”?
For many people, they think of the final days of life. Others think that choosing hospice means giving up hope or accepting defeat.
In truth, hospice care is one of the most misunderstood forms of healthcare.
That’s why we’re answering some of the most common questions about hospice care. From what it is to how it works, Arbor Hospice is here to provide clear answers and helpful insights into how hospice supports patients and families through one of life’s most important journeys.
Questions and Answers
What is hospice?
Hospice is an approach to care that seeks to comfort rather than cure. When a cure is not possible or you or a loved one chooses to not pursue curative treatments, Arbor Hospice helps relieve pain, restore dignity and provides emotional and spiritual support for you and your family.
Care is custom-tailored, directed by the patient and managed by a team of certified hospice professionals. “Comfort care” plans focus on meeting a patient’s needs while ensuring they are as comfortable as possible.
Who can receive hospice care?
Hospice care is appropriate when:
- The physician believes that the patient will live six months or less if the disease runs its normal course
- Aggressive treatments are not working or providing relief
- The patient, family and physician agree and understand that the focus of hospice care is on comfort, pain control and symptom management
Arbor Hospice is a not-for-profit dedicated to providing hospice care to every person eligible for services, regardless of age, diagnosis, or financial circumstances.
All U.S. citizens age 65 and older are entitled to Medicare or Medicaid coverage for hospice at the end of life
Where is hospice care provided?
Wherever one calls home. Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a place. Care can be provided in your home, the home of a loved one, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospitals, adult foster care homes, or nursing homes. Some hospices have residential units designed to provide a home-like setting.
Regardless of location, Arbor Hospice’s 24/7 Caregiver Support Center is a resource available to caregivers and family members 24 hours a day to ask questions and receive guidance from licensed nurses and clinicians.
How do I know when the “right time” for hospice care is?
Two of the most prevalent indicators that signal it’s time for hospice care are:
- When the focus of treatment changes from curing the illness to maximizing quality of life
- When pain is not well-controlled or easily managed, and routine activities, such as walking, eating, bathing and dressing, have become difficult.
By providing relief from physical and emotional pain, patients and loved ones can get the very most out of their remaining time. Hospice care not only brings dignity to patients, but also to caregivers, providing essential guidance and support to help them care better for their loved one.
What does it cost?
Hospice care is covered by most insurers, including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and most commercial insurers and HMOs. Hospice is a covered benefit under Medicare for people who have a life expectancy of six months or less. Medicare will pay 100% of all hospice team services, medications, durable medical equipment, and medical supplies related to the terminal illness and/or prognosis. Room and board costs in a facility are considered custodial care and are not covered under the Medicare hospice benefit. Occasionally, other insurers will cover room and board costs. For non-Medicare patients, any applicable patient pays, spend-downs, co-pays, or deductibles will apply.
However, Arbor Hospice accepts everyone who needs and seeks our services regardless of your financial circumstances. We are always willing to work with our patients and families to ensure there is Open Access to our program.
Interested in reading more? Click here for more commonly asked questions
Refer somebody today or call Arbor Hospice at 1-888-992-2273