Quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury is the hallmark of hospice care. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain and symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the person’s specific needs and wishes. Care and support is also provided to the person's loved ones.

• Hospice provides care and services when cure is no longer possible.
• Hospice care honors the whole person so that emotional, social, and spiritual needs are addressed along with the physical.
• Hospice care is skilled, aggressive, and compassionate with the goals of comfort, freedom from pain and other distressing symptoms, while fostering personal independence for as long as possible.
• Hospice care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals—and specially trained volunteers—for extra help and to give family members a break.
• Whenever possible, people who choose hospice care continue to live at home in the care of those who know and love them best. When home care is not feasible, hospice care is provided in assisted living, nursing, hospital, or hospice facilities.
• Hospice services are fully covered under Medicare Part A; Medicaid and many private insurance plans offer a hospice benefit.
• Hospice admission requires that the person’s physician and the hospice medical director certify that the person is unlikely to live longer than 6 months if the illness follows its natural course, and that curative treatments are forgone.
• Hospice care encourages the use of maintenance medications or those that improve comfort and quality of life.
• The decision to enroll in hospice can be changed at any time if the person’s condition improves or if curative treatment is resumed.

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When is the right time to ask about hospice services?
Although end-of-life care discussions may be difficult, it is best for family members to share their wishes before it becomes a concern. When treatment goals shift from curing the illness to providing comfort, it may be time to consider hospice. Early contact gives the patient and family more time to understand their options.

Is hospice just for cancer patients?
While hospice was once primarily associated with cancer, it is now available for people with any life-limiting illness – including cardiac, respiratory, neurological diseases, AIDS, liver disease, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, and more. Discuss with your doctor or a local hospice if you are unsure.

Why should we choose hospice services?
Hospice focuses on treating the person rather than just the disease, supports the family, and emphasizes quality of life. It employs a multidisciplinary team and offers a cost-effective alternative to hospitalization.

What care and services can I expect from hospice?
Hospice care is delivered by a team of professionals—including physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, and volunteers. Most patients receive care at home through scheduled visits, although some may receive care in facilities. Services focus on pain and symptom management, comprehensive support for both patients and families, and bereavement support after a patient’s passing.

Who pays for hospice?
Hospice is paid through the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Virginia Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and most private insurers. Hospice work with families to ensure services can be provided even without coverage.

Who is eligible to receive hospice services under the Medicare Hospice Benefit?
Eligibility requires Medicare Part A, certification by the patient’s doctor and hospice medical director that the illness is life-limiting (with an expected prognosis of six months or less if untreated), the patient’s choice for hospice care, and enrollment in a Medicare-certified hospice program.

What does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers core hospice services including doctor services, nursing care, hospice aides, social work, volunteer services, counseling (including dietary, spiritual and bereavement), medications, medical equipment, therapies, short-term inpatient care, and grief support—though small copays may apply.

Will hospice come to me wherever I live?
Hospice care is primarily provided at home; however, it is also available in extended care facilities. Benefits do not include room and board, but the hospice team works with caregivers at home or in facilities. If you move, arrangements can be made with local providers.

How do we decide which hospice to use?
Ask questions about certification, accreditation, services offered, visitation frequency, volunteer roles, care options if home care isn’t possible, family support, and bereavement care to help determine the best hospice for you.

How does hospice get started?
You, a family member, or friend may contact hospice directly. The hospice will obtain your doctor’s approval, and a liaison will visit your home to discuss program details and complete consent and insurance forms.

Am I "giving up" if I choose hospice?
No. Hospice care is focused on quality of life rather than hastening or prolonging death. You may leave hospice at any time and resume curative treatment if desired.

May I keep my own doctor?
Yes. Your doctor remains an important part of your hospice team and will work closely with hospice staff to develop and update your care plan.

May I continue with my treatments and therapies?
Hospice focuses on palliative care—relieving symptoms and managing pain—rather than curing the disease. Discuss with your physician which treatments will be part of your hospice plan.

Will I be in pain?
With proper pain management and medications, most hospice patients remain alert and pain-free throughout their care.

I don’t want to become a burden on my family. How can hospice help?
Hospice provides considerable support to families, helping manage care and easing caregiver stress, often resulting in a deeply meaningful experience.

What if my family is unable to care for me?
Hospice can work with you whether you live at home, in assisted living, or another extended care facility, ensuring safety and quality care tailored to your situation.

Will my personal beliefs be respected?
Hospice teams respect each person’s unique values and beliefs. Chaplains and spiritual care providers are available to offer additional support if needed.

Who pays for hospice?
(Repeated for emphasis) Hospice is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurances. If no coverage exists, hospices work with families to secure the needed services.

What does Medicare cover?
(Repeated for emphasis) Medicare covers a core set of hospice services, including doctor and nursing care, social work, therapies, and more. Please refer to your provider for details.

Will hospice come to me wherever I live?
(Repeated for emphasis) Hospice primarily provides home care, but can also arrange care in facilities as needed.

How do we decide which hospice to use?
(Repeated for emphasis) Ask questions about certification, services, support, and care options to make an informed choice.