Who Can Use Hospice
Many people receiving hospice care have cancer, but hospice is available for people with any terminal illness, such as heart disease, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or any other condition. Every element of an individual’s hospice care is carefully tailored to his or her unique wishes and requirements. Support extends beyond the patient to his or her family, as well. Bringing hospice in doesn’t mean they’re going to die tomorrow. It means a better quality of life for whatever amount of time you have left.
Residents of long-term care facilities are eligible for Hospice care when they are facing a terminal illness for which the identifiedgoal of treatment is symptom management and comfort. Most residents are eligible for Hospice care if these conditions are met:
- The resident’s physician has established a prognosis of limited life expectancy.
- Physician and family agree on a palliative (versus curative) course of care.
- Residents of the long-term care facilities are enrolled in Medicare Part A and elect the Hospice Medicare Benefit or are enrolled in the State Medicaid Program
The Medicare and Medicaid benefit, most private insurance plans and HMOs covers all Hospice services related to the terminal condition including medications, supplies and equipment.- Care may be provided in a hospice center, hospital, nursing home, long-term care facilities and a person’s own home.
Palliative care providers believe in living well and dying well. The more you know about your options, the better the rest of your life can be. Getting on hospice early may mean that you get more out of it. Many people and families who receive hospice care wish they had started on hospice sooner.
