Frequently Asked Questions
The word “hospice” is thrown about for patients suffering serious end stage illnesses. But what exactly is hospice? How does it work? Who is eligible? After continually helping patients and their families navigate through hospice, we at Hospice Specialists of Louisiana have answered many of these Frequently Asked Questions about hospice.
Hospice care is a specialized type of care designed to provide support, comfort, and palliation to individuals with terminal illnesses when curative or life-prolonging treatments are no longer beneficial or desired. It focuses on managing symptoms, relieving pain, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs, aiming to enhance the quality of life as life expectancy is limited.
Hospice care is typically recommended for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less, if the disease follows its usual course. It's applicable to patients with a wide range of terminal illnesses, including cancer, advanced heart and lung diseases, dementia, and more.
Yes, hospice care can be provided wherever the patient resides, including a private home, a nursing home, or a residential facility. In fact, the goal is to keep patients comfortable in a familiar environment.
No, choosing hospice does not mean giving up hope. Rather, it's about reshaping hope to focus on maintaining a comfortable, quality life, and fostering meaningful moments with loved ones. It aims to provide dignity, respect, and comfort during the last stages of life. In fact, we believe that early referral and accept on hospice is a sign of love and caring. Read more here.
In the United States, hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid in most states, and most private insurance plans. The Hospice benefit includes all services related to the terminal illness and related conditions.
Hospice care includes a comprehensive range of services, such as medical care, pain management, emotional support, spiritual guidance, personal care assistance (like bathing and feeding), social work services, bereavement counseling, and volunteer assistance.
While hospice does not typically provide 24-hour care at home, it does offer 24-hour on-call availability. Intense levels of care can be arranged in periods of crisis to manage acute medical symptoms.
Yes, patients can choose to discontinue hospice care at any time, for any reason. If a patient's condition improves or the disease goes into remission, they can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive, curative measures if so desired.