FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can Hospice do for the patient and family?

Hospice provides emotional, medical, and spiritual support for people who are terminally ill. The goal is to improve patients’ quality of life by making them comfortable in their homes. The focus of care is on symptom management rather than curing the disease. Hospice helps families cope with the care of their ill family member and acts as an advocate during this time of illness.

Isn't enrolling in Hospice giving up hope?

Hospice focuses on the hope that every day will be the best it can be rather than that the disease will be cured. The goal of Hospice is to ease the suffering of terminally ill people and their families and friends. Sometimes patients with advanced disease may be discharged from Hospice if their condition improves.

Will Hospice help end life in order to relieve suffering?

NO! Hospice does not support euthanasia or assisted suicide. The Hospice staff supports people through the natural dying process. The Hospice team does not want to prolong suffering or hasten death.

How much does Hospice charge?

Hospice will use the Hospice benefit on the patient’s insurance policy, Medicare, or Medicaid coverage to help pay for the cost of care. No one will be denied Hospice care if they are unable to pay.

What are other sources of Hospice's financial support?

A main source of financial support for Hospice comes from donations given by patients and their families. No one who desires Hospice care and is eligible for it will be refused care on the basis of age, race, sex, or physical/mental disability.

Does Hospice require a DNR?

NO. However, the plan of care is oriented to noninvasive relief of symptoms rather than curative care.