Who pays for hospice?
When I give informational visits to patients and families considering hospice services the very first thing I want them to know is that Medicare and Medicaid cover hospice services 100%. Most private insurances also provide a hospice benefit. Reputable hospice agencies verify insurance benefits before admitting patients to hospice so that patients and families will know their exact coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses, if any, they can expect. There are also many non-profit hospice agencies out there that will not refuse services to anyone eligible for hospice, regardless of their ability to pay. SO, if hospice is right for you or your loved one, please do not hesitate to consider hospice solely based on the fear that you cannot afford it.
Who is eligible for hospice?
Patients eligible for hospice have a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the disease runs its natural course and are focused on quality of life, or comfort, vs. curative treatment.
What is covered under the hospice benefit?
Hospice is an interdisciplinary approach to care. Hospice manages the physical, social, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients and families. The patient and family together are considered the unit of care. The interdisciplinary team, therefore, consists of: the patient, family, caregivers, nurses, social workers, hospice aides, chaplains, and physicians. The number of visits the various team members make to patients and families on a weekly basis are not limited. They are based on the specific needs of patients and families. Hospice also provides medications, supplies, and medical equipment related to the hospice diagnosis. Bereavement services and volunteers services are also an important part of the care we provide. Oh, and did I mention the education component? So many families are willing and able to care for their loved ones but they are uncomfortable because they are uncertain what to do and how to do it. Hospice provides the guidance and education needed so that families can do what they want to do - care for the person they love. Hospice nurses are on call 24/7 to assist patients and their caregivers. Hospice medical directors can also make house calls on an as needed basis. All of this is coordinated by hospice and covered under your hospice benefit!! Is that not awesome???
Where is hospice care provided?
Patients can receive hospice care in their private residences, nursing homes, independent living facilities, assisted living facilities and, in some cases, residential hospice facilities. There are different levels of hospice care. The majority of hospice care is provided where the patient lives, however, some patients require short term inpatient care at a hospice inpatient facility or contracted hospital for acute symptom management needs or for respite care related to caregiver breakdown.
What happens when my loved one dies?
One of my favorite parts of hospice care is being there for families when the patient dies. Without hospice this can be a really unnerving experience. With hospice, fears are calmed. When a patient who has hospice services dies, the family or caregiver calls hospice any time of day or night and a nurse comes out to the place of residence and pronounces death. The nurse then provides postmortem care, calls the funeral home of the family's choice and waits with the family for the body to be received. Hospice remains with the family to comfort them. No whistles or sirens or police or fire engines necessary, just peace and comfort.
So, that's just the nuts and bolts. Thought it made sense to lay out the basics for anyone who may never have experienced hospice in the past. Many people have never had a family member or friend who has had hospice. The above is the very least you can expect. There is so much more!!!
If anyone has any specific questions or topics they'd like for me to talk about I'd be MORE than happy to oblige.
More to follow.....
Well done, my beautiful daughter! from your Dad.
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