Hospice is care for someone who is terminally ill. The American Cancer Society describes hospice care as follows: “Hospice care is a special kind of care that focuses on the quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice care provides compassionate care for people in the last phases of incurable disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible.”
Hospice is meant to help the person with a terminal diagnosis remain comfortable. It is not for treating the terminal condition, but instead for managing symptoms and providing comfort in the end of life.
A doctor would need to determine that the person’s life expectancy is six months or less before a person can enroll with hospice. Hospice typically includes the support of a care team that includes an RN, social worker, CNA, and chaplain services. The hospice agency also has an attending physician available for the care team to consult for managing symptoms.
The goal is to maximize the patient’s quality of life while helping the person remain comfortable. The care team is also available to offer bereavement and grief support, as well as education on the terminal condition to the family and patient. It is not “around the clock” care, but the care team is on call at all times should they need to come out to address comfort issues.
Hospice care can be provided in different settings, including the person’s home, assisted living, or nursing home. The hospice benefit can cover needed medication, supplies, and equipment that are related to the terminal condition.
Hospice is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health insurances. Your insurance would still be used to cover other health conditions that are not related to the terminal condition.
If you have questions about hospice or wish to know more about hospice agencies in the area, please call ADRC at (920) 448-4300
