Hospice Questions, Answered
Choosing hospice raises many questions. Here are answers to the ones families ask us most. If you don’t see yours, call us any time. We’re happy to help.
Understanding Hospice
What hospice is, and what it isn’t
What is hospice?
Hospice care is a compassionate approach to care that focuses on quality of life for people with a terminal illness. It provides pain relief, symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support for both patients and their families.
Does choosing hospice mean giving up?
No. Hospice shifts the focus from cure to comfort, so your loved one can spend their time as fully and peacefully as possible, surrounded by the people they love.
Where is hospice care provided?
Wherever your loved one lives: a private home, an assisted living community, a board-and-care home or a skilled nursing facility.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness and can be given alongside curative treatment. Hospice is for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less who choose comfort-focused care. Learn more about the difference.
Eligibility & Timing
Who qualifies and when to consider it
Who is eligible for hospice?
A patient is eligible when a physician certifies a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course, and the patient chooses comfort-focused care instead of curative treatment.
When is hospice needed?
Signs that hospice may help include frequent hospital or emergency room visits, progressive weight loss, more frequent falls, rapid decline despite treatment, uncontrolled pain, nausea or vomiting, trouble with daily activities, wounds or infections that won’t heal, rapid breathing, eating and drinking less, and loss of interest in activities.
Can a patient stay on hospice longer than six months?
Yes. Hospice is provided in benefit periods. If a physician recertifies that the patient continues to meet eligibility, hospice care can continue.
Can a patient leave hospice?
Yes. Patients can stop hospice at any time, for example to pursue curative treatment, and can return later if they are eligible.
Not sure if it’s time for hospice?
A conversation doesn’t commit you to anything. Our nurses are here 24/7.
Care & Services
Your team and what’s included
Who provides hospice care?
A team that includes the patient’s primary physician, a hospice physician, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, certified home health aides, therapists, social workers, chaplains, volunteers and bereavement counselors.
What does hospice care include?
Pain and symptom management, regular scheduled visits, medications and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis, home medical equipment, patient and family education, emotional and spiritual support, and a nurse on call 24/7.
What are the different levels of hospice care?
Medicare defines four levels: Routine Care (scheduled visits at home or in a facility), Continuous Care (extended nursing at home during a crisis), General Inpatient Care (short-term inpatient care when symptoms can’t be managed at home) and Respite Care (up to five days of inpatient care so family caregivers can rest). See all services.
Does hospice provide 24-hour caregivers?
Routine hospice care provides scheduled visits, not around-the-clock caregivers. Family members or hired caregivers usually provide day-to-day care, and our team supports and teaches them. During a medical crisis, continuous care may be available.
Can my loved one keep their own doctor?
Yes. Your loved one’s primary physician can stay involved and work together with our hospice physician.
Cost & Insurance
Coverage, insurance and costs
Who pays for hospice?
Hospice is covered for eligible patients under Medicare, Medi-Cal and many private insurance plans. Under the Medicare and Medi-Cal hospice benefit, there is typically no out-of-pocket cost for hospice services. See insurance accepted.
Do you help with insurance?
Yes. We verify your loved one’s eligibility and obtain any needed authorization directly from the insurance carrier, and we explain your coverage before care begins.
Does hospice pay for room and board in a nursing home?
Generally, no. The hospice benefit covers hospice services, but not room and board in a nursing home or assisted living facility, except during short-term inpatient or respite stays. Medi-Cal may help eligible patients with room and board.
Getting Started
How to begin, and how fast
How do we start hospice care?
Call us at 323-545-2565. We’ll work with your loved one’s physician to confirm eligibility, verify insurance, and schedule an admission visit, often the same day.
Can we call even if we’re not sure hospice is right?
Absolutely. A conversation doesn’t commit you to anything. We’re happy to answer questions and help you understand your options.