Choosing Hospice to Enhance Quality of Life

By Evalisa McClure

Knowing when to pursue hospice care can be a difficult decision. Whether you are a patient or a family member, having the correct information about hospice services can help you decide whether this care is appropriate. Hospice is for people with advanced illness, no matter their age, culture, beliefs, or cause of illness. Hospice care supports people near the end of life by providing individualized plans focused on each patient’s goals and wishes.

What You Should Know About Hospice Care

Hospice is for patients who have 6 months or less to live according to their physician. This can be extended when needed. Patients can leave, or “revoke their hospice status,” at any time. They can also come back to hospice at any time, as long as they meet hospice eligibility guidelines. There is no time limit a patient can remain on hospice.

Also, most hospice patients do not have any out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Part A covers up to 100% of the cost of hospice care related to a hospice-eligible patient’s illness, with no deductible or copayment. Private or employer-provided health coverage can vary by provider. Medicaid provides hospice coverage, but it varies by state.

Why Hospice? Improving Quality of Life

Hospice is a service that comes to a patient in the place they prefer to be for end-of-life care. Patients at home feel better surrounded by those faces and things they love. To ease pain, hospice doctors try to give just enough medicine to manage the symptoms and comfort level of the patient. Hospice also provides home medical equipment and supplies related to the cause of the illness.

With support and expertise from the hospice team, family and friends are a hospice patient’s primary caregivers. For patients who live in assisted living communities and nursing homes, the hospice team works together with the facility staff.

After a patient dies, hospice addresses the emotional and spiritual pain suffered by loved ones for more than a year.

Support As You Consider Hospice

Hospice is not an easy decision, though it may be the right one for you or your loved one. VITAS® Healthcare offers hospice services designed to surround patients, their families, and caregivers with support that elevates quality of life, manages their symptoms and pain, and ensures comfort and dignity during one of life’s most difficult - but meaningful - periods.

Evalisa McClure is general manager for VITAS Healthcare in Pittsburgh. For more information about end-of-life care services, call the nation’s leading provider at 866-759-6695 (available 24/7) or visit VITAS.com.