FAQs
Frequently asked questions:What is Hospice Care?
How do I get Hospice for My Mother/Father/Relative?
Is Hospice covered by Insurance?
Who can get Hospice Care?
Where is Hospice Care provided? Do I have to go somewhere for Hospice Care?
What are the eligibility requirements for Hospice Care?
What is involved with Hospice Care?
How do I get Hospice Care and what do I do next?
What is Hospice Care?
a. Hospice Care is a philosophy of palliative care versus aggressive treatment for life-limiting illness with a prognosis of usually six months or less.
b. Provides comfort and quality of life
c. Care is individualized to each patient and family and administered through a team approach
d. The best option for patients no longer seeking curative treatment
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How do I get Hospice for My Mother/Father/Relative?
Typically a conversation is had with a physician and or caregiver regarding the best options for the patient and family. An assessment can be made by a Beacon professional, and a discussion can ensue about the best options for your family member or friend.
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Is Hospice covered by Insurance?
Yes Hospice is covered primarily by Medicare however Medicaid and third party insurances generally provide for the Hospice benefit and our Care Transitions department can assist with authorization for Hospice Care
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Who can get Hospice Care?
Hospice is available to anyone who qualifies and anyone who has been found to be appropriate for Hospice Care.
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Where is Hospice Care provided? Do I have to go somewhere for Hospice Care?
Hospice Care can be provided in the Hospital, in a nursing home or assisted living community, in your own home, basically where someone resides.
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What are the eligibility requirements for Hospice Care?
a. Life limiting illness with a prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease follows its normal course.
b. Whereby the patient and family have been informed of the condition and it is life limiting.
c. Patient and family have elected palliative care and the physician has ordered hospice care. (a Physician order is not required to evaluate for eligibility)
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What is involved with Hospice Care?
Hospice Care is a collaborative team of caregivers that center care around the patient and their families. The team consists of the Patient and family support as well as the following:
a. Physician as the team medical director
b. Clinical Service Director
c. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners
d. Certified hospice aides
e. Social worker
f. Chaplain
g. Bereavement counselor
h. Volunteer
i. Account Manager
Hospice also provides:
a. Medication related to terminal diagnosis
b. Medical equipment and supplies
c. After-hours care staffed by nurses
e. Inpatient availability or Nursing home care
f. Ongoing bereavement care to families
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How do I get Hospice Care and what do I do next?
Let Beacon Hospice assist you, it is as simple as calling 1-800-HOSPICE
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