Dear Olivia,
have so many questions about hospice care, and have heard different things from the medical community and family members. Can you help clarify a few things?
~Wanting to Learn More
Dear Wanting to Learn More,
You are not alone. Navigating health care can be confusing when it comes to talking about end-of-life care, which is hard to discuss for anyone facing these difficult decisions. I hope the below questions can help!
1. Is hospice a place? No, hospice is a type of health care provided primarily in the home. Many people associate hospice with a facility, but actually most hospice care is provided in the patient’s own home, or wherever they call home (nursing facility, assisted living facility, memory care, etc).
2. Is hospice care expensive? The services are meant to be accessible and affordable for patients. Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) also provides charitable care for those with no means to pay.
3. Do most hospice patients have cancer? Hospice is not just for cancer patients. Though many associate it with cancer, hospice can be used for any terminal diagnosis. These include Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, and many other diagnoses. The doctor certifies that a patient meets the criteria for hospice care, and then care can begin.
4. Does hospice stop all of my medications once I sign up for hospice care? No, hospice works with your doctor and the hospice doctor to establish a plan of care to meet the goals of the patient and family. Also, hospice care is about more than medical needs. Hospice aims to treat the whole person by providing emotional, social, and spiritual support.
5. What about personal needs for those who cannot care for themselves with activities of daily living?Hospice support includes a home health aide who can assist in personal care such as bathing, dressing and light meal preparation. They are part of the interdisciplinary team, along with volunteers. Hospice organizations have many trained volunteers who visit patients, provide respite for caregivers, help with errands, and offer companionship.
~Olivia