What is Hospice Care?
Difficult as you may find it, Hospice may be the perfect care solution for your terminally-ill loved one. Hospice Care provides comfort and quality of life for the terminally ill. So, this type of care allows patients to remain at home. Most hospice-care providers understand how to alleviate pain and manage everyday activities. Thus, this care is a great option for anyone who is seriously ill. Hospice kicks in after patients exhaust all other options. Another reason care stops is if the patient no longer wishes to continue traditional treatments for a terminal illness, such as cancer.
How is Hospice Care Obtained?
To be placed under hospice care, two doctors must deliver the prognosis that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less. Obviously, since accuracy about this type of prediction is iffy, each patient must continue to apply for hospice care every 60 to 90 days.
Benefits of Care
Hospice teams work with other healthcare professionals, including doctors and pharmacists and therapists, to coordinate and provide treatment and care. An additional benefit afforded by hospice is family and caregiver support. The team works together to train and inform caregivers so they can provide optimal care. Hospice care generally also includes medical equipment and medications related to the illness.
- Hospice teams travel to the patient. Also, the level of care includes home care. Sometimes, hospice extends to in-patient hospital care.
- Another benefit to hospice is respite. Caregivers receive this type of care so they can go on vacation, rest, or take care of other matters.
- Hospice care addresses not only the physical needs of the patient, but also the spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being of the patient receiving hospice care.
- Bereavement follow-up and support helps families, as well.
- Hospice won’t move patients unless their medical condition requires constant care.
- They can stay in their homes and receive comfort care.
- Hospice Care won’t turn down patients diagnosed with less than six months or less to live.
- Numerous payment options are available. Facilities rarely turn patients away.
Payments
Terminally ill patients do not normally pay out-of-pocket for hospice care. Medicare and the Medicare pay for most Hospice Care. Veterans are eligible for hospice benefits provided through the Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA.) Health insurance may cover some hospice benefits. Coverage varies among insurers. Check qualifications and coverage. Thus, Hospice Care falls on patients, unless they cannot pay. In such cases, providers bill on a sliding scale, or pro bono.
About Skvarna Law Firm: Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate, Trusts, and Wills
If you would like to know more about elder care, whether your question relates to hospital or not, call Skvarna Law Firm. We operate offices in Glendora and Upland, California and provide legal services for individuals living in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside Counties. This includes the cities of Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Colton, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Glendora, Claremont, Montclair, Pomona, La Verne, San Dimas, Azusa, Covina, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Corona, Norco & Mira Loma. Visit SkvarnaLaw.comto learn more.
