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Hospice Care
Hospice care is the provision of palliative and supportive services, as opposed to curative care, for terminally ill individuals who have been diagnosed as having six months or fewer to live if the disease follows its normal course. Hospice care can be provided in the home, a freestanding hospice center, or an extended care facility. Care typically includes:
- Physician services
- Nursing care
- Home health aide and homemaker services
- Medical social services
- Counseling services
- Short-term inpatient care
- Medical appliance and supplies
- Prescription drugs
- Physical therapy
- Volunteers
- Spiritual guidance based on the individual’s preference
In general, the services must be related to managing the patient’s terminal illness, controlling pain, or enabling the individual to maintain activities of daily living and basic functional skills.
Today, as a result of 1982 legislation creating a Medicare hospice benefit, Medicare is the primary payer for nearly two-thirds of hospice patients. In addition, Medicaid, private insurance and special programs may be available to defer the cost of hospice care. Contact your local hospice for more information.