Commonly Asked Questions
Click on one of the following to learn more.
- How is hospice paid for?
- Who is eligible to receive hospice care?
- Is there a limit to how long someone can receive hospice care?
- Can someone in a nursing home receive hospice care?
- How does someone begin receiving hospice care?
- Does hospice do anything to hasten death?
- What is provided under hospice care?
- Can someone receive pain and symptom management prior to beginning hospice?
How is hospice paid for?
Hospice is paid for 100% by Medicare and Medicaid. Veteran's Administration and most Private Insurance also have hospice benefits. Hospice can be provided regardless of a person’s payor source.
Who is eligible to receive hospice care?
Hospice is for anyone of any age with any terminal diagnosis. To be eligible for Hospice a physician must certify that an individual has a life expectancy of six months or less. To learn more about criteria based on different diseases click here.
Is there a limit to how long someone can receive hospice care?
There is no limit to how long an individual may be on hospice as long as they show decline and a six month life expectancy.
Can someone in a nursing home receive hospice care?
Hospice is provided wherever the patient calls home. Hospice may be provided in a private home, skilled nursing facility or assisted living facility.
How does someone begin receiving hospice care?
Often a referral is made by the patient’s primary physician, but a referral to hospice care can be initiated by anyone. Once a referral is made a nurse at XL Hospice will assist in evaluating the patient’s medical eligibility to receive hospice care.
Does hospice do anything to hasten death?
Hospice does not do anything to hasten death. Actually, it is common for individuals to live a longer, fuller life if they receive the care of hospice.
What is provided under hospice care?
Hospice services are provided according to a specific plan of care developed by the hospice team that addresses each patient’s individual needs. This plan of care changes throughout the patient’s stay on hospice. In general, patients can expect to receive weekly visits by a nurse as frequently as needed, assistance with bathing and hygeine 2-3 times a week, visits by a social worker 1-2 times a month, and visits by the hospice chaplain 1-2 times a month. Hospice volunteers provide companionship for patients and much needed breaks for their caregiversare once a week for 2-4 hours. Hospice also provides equipment and medication related to the terminal illness. Grief support is also available for up to a year after the patient’s death. To learn more about hospice services click here.
Can someone receive pain and symptom management prior to beginning hospice?
Unlike hospice, under which a patient needs to have a life expectancy of six months, palliative care can help a patient at any stage in his or her illness. Palliative care is best introduced early on in the course of a serious illness, but can be received at any time. Another benefit to beginning palliative care prior to hospice is that under hospice a patient has chosen to forgo aggressive curative treatment. Palliative care, however, can be received alongside curative treatment. To learn more about palliative care click here.