About Hospice

Who Is Appropriate For Hospice

Potential hospice patients may be identified by a diagnosis, symptoms or a combination of both.

Below are some signs and symptoms that may indicate a patient is hospice eligible:

Frequent hospitalizations or emergency room visits in the past six months

Unplanned weight loss or unable to feed self

Decrease in ability to perform activities of daily living

Increased or uncontrollable pain

Shortness of breath

Inability to swallow or frequent aspiration

Repeat or multiple infections

Change in mental status

Increased weakness or fatigue

Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting

Hospice Myths & Realities

Myth: Hospice means that the patient will soon die.

Reality: Receiving hospice care does not mean giving up hope or that death is imminent. The earlier an individual receives hospice care, the more opportunity there is to stabilize a patient’s medical condition and address other needs.

Myth: Hospice is only for cancer patients.

Reality: A large number of hospice patients have congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, chronic lung disease or other conditions.

Myth: Patients can only receive hospice care for a limited amount of time.

Reality: The Medicare benefit, and most private insurance, pays for hospice care as long as the patient continues to meets the criteria necessary. Patients may come on and off hospice care and reenroll in hospice care, as needed.

Myth: Hospice is only for the last days.

Reality: Many times individuals are eligible for hospice much sooner than they realize. Obtaining early support from hospice helps individuals and families more quickly control symptoms and maintain a better quality of life.

Myth: To be eligible for hospice care, a patient must already be bedridden.

Reality: Hospice care is appropriate at the time of the terminal prognosis, regardless of the patient’s physical condition. Many of the patients served through hospice continue to lead productive and rewarding lives. Together, the patient, family and physician determine when hospice services should begin.

Myth: Hospice provides 24 hour care.

Reality: While hospice teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they are not the primary caregiver. Rather, hospice will create a plan of care customized to meet the needs of the individual and their family. Hospice staff can help the family locate resources and support to meet those needs.

Paying for Hospice

Hospice care is paid for in a variety of ways. This section explains the type of payment coverage available.

Who Is Appropriate For Hospice

Hospice Myths & Realities

Paying for Hospice

Medicare

Medicaid

VHA Medical Benefit

Private Insurance

Private Pay