Hospice vs. Palliative Care

Palliative Care is intended to provide pain and symptom management to those with chronic condition(s). This specialized care helps relieve physical/emotional suffering, connect to community resources and discuss/define treatment options based on goals of care.

Hospice is a type of palliative care for those with a terminal prognosis.  When medical care cannot offer a cure, or when curative treatments are no longer effective, hospice provides care, comfort, and interdisciplinary support for those with life-limiting conditions, as well as their family/caregiver(s).

When is it time for Hospice?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, or if you are uncertain if hospice is for you/your loved one, call us. We are here 24/7 to discuss your options and help you decide if hospice is right for you. It is a common misconception that hospice care is only for the last few days of life when in truth, patients and families greatly benefit from earlier hospice intervention.

How do I get Hospice?

The first step is to contact us.  Once we have gathered the appropriate information we will work with you, and your physician (if you have one) to facilitate the appropriate next step for you or your loved one.

Once the referral is received, the admission staff will contact you to set up a consult. The hospice team will then work with your physician to determine if you or your loved one is eligible to receive hospice care.  Once deemed eligible, the hospice staff will then set up an initial meeting to review the services hospice will offer and sign the necessary forms for care to begin. Care can begin as quickly as a few hours, depending on the desired timeline of the patient/family.

What can I expect?

Once you are admitted into hospice care, a specially trained interdisciplinary team is available to help meet your needs. Your doctor and the hospice interdisciplinary team work together with you and your family to set up a plan of care that meets your specific needs and goals. Many interventions are available to assist with symptom control and pain relief with the goal of increasing quality of life.

Nursing care, home health aide services, social work services and counseling are available through the hospice team. Medications, equipment and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis and related conditions are all provided by hospice to meet all your needs, and live life to the fullest each and every day.

Can I Change my Mind?

Yes, you always have the right to stop hospice care. If you disenroll from hospice, you will receive the type of coverage that you had before electing hospice. If you continue to be medically eligible for hospice care, you can elect to go back on hospice at any time.

Sometimes a person’s health improves, or their illness goes into remission. If that happens, the hospice physician may feel that you no longer need hospice care. If this happens, you will be discharged from hospice and return to the care and coverage you had before electing the hospice benefit. The hospice team will help facilitate the discharge planning and ease the transition.

How long can I be on Hospice?

Hospice care is reserved for those with a prognosis of 6 months or less; however, patients can be on longer or shorter than 6 months, as long as their medical condition supports eligibility.

Can I still see my physician?

Yes, the patient’s primary physician is part of their hospice team and can be as involved as you would like. We will communicate with your primary care physician on a regular basis. You can continue to see your primary care doctor as needed for your medical care.

What Does Hospice Cover?

Hospice coverage provides comprehensive medical care related to your terminal illness and related conditions. It includes most medications, medical supplies and durable medical equipment.  It also covers payment for visits to your home, or wherever you are receiving your care, by the hospice team. Members of the team may include:

• Your Attending Physician — who continues to oversee your care.

• Hospice Medical Director — who works with your physician and other members of the hospice team to coordinate your care.

• Registered nurse — who will visit you in your home to manage your clinical care.

• Social worker — who provides support to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Your social worker will also work with you on end of life planning and community resources.

• Home health aide — who will help you with personal care and light housekeeping.

• Chaplain — who will work as a resource to you to provide and/or facilitate spiritual and bereavement support.

• Volunteers — who are specially trained to provide you with companionship or special needs.

• Dietary Counselor- who in conjunction with the team provides dietary advice