Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice

1. Who pays for hospice services?

Medicare and Medicaid pay for hospice services. Many private insurance policies also pay for all or part of hospice services. Donations to Hospice of Montgomery provide additional funding for uninsured care.

2. What terminal illnesses are covered by hospice care?

Terminal illnesses include, but are not limited to progressive cancer; advanced dementia; end stage congestive heart failure; end stage pulmonary diseases/emphysema; HIV; neurodegenerative disease/ALS; organ failure - renal, hepatic/liver.

3. Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first?

The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy, or friends.

4. Does the hospice patient have to 'give up' his/her own physician?

Hospice of Montgomery works with the patient's physician. The patient's attending physician continues in the role as the patient's physician and remains medically responsible for the patient's care, approves and periodically reviews the plan of care, receives periodic progress reports about the patient's/family's status and other involvement as indicated.

5. Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular treatment?

If the patient's condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or go on about their daily life. If a discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare/Medicaid and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

6. Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?

Hospice of Montgomery's RN and Social Worker will assess your needs, recommend any equipment, and help make arrangements to obtain any necessary equipment.

7. Must someone be with the patient at all times?

Insurance does not provide coverage for hospice personnel to provide assistance needed for hour to hour living. When the patient is able to safely care for him/herself, it's not usually necessary for someone to be with the patient all the time. As the patient's condition declines and the patient is no longer able to safely care for him/herself, someone must be with the patient continuously.

8. Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?

Hospice does nothing to hasten death or prolong life. Hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.

9. Is hospice affiliated with any religious organizations?

Hospice is not affiliated with any specific religion. While some churches and religions have started hospices (sometimes in connection with their hospitals), these hospices serve a broad community and do not require patients to adhere to any particular belief system. Spiritual support, when requested, is provided in a manner consistent with the patient's/family's spiritual belief system.

10. What is the difference between hospice care and traditional home care?

Level of Care - The staff of Hospice of Montgomery is specially trained to care for individuals with terminal illnesses.

Homebound Status - To qualify for home health services, the individual must be homebound. Hospice patients are encouraged to do as much as they feel they can do and are not restricted to the home.

Reimbursement - Under hospice reimbursement, patients are entitled to additional items and services as appropriate.

11. How is pain managed in hospice care?

Hospice views human suffering as multi-faceted involving the emotional, social, spiritual as well as physical well-being of the patient and begins by looking at the total needs of the patient. A thorough pain assessment is conducted by a nurse on each home visit. If pharmacological pain management is needed, the nurse collaborates with the physician and provides current assessment data about the patient's pain. Only the physician prescribes pharmaceuticals.

12. What does the hospice admission process involve?

The patient's physician, or designee, calls a referral to Hospice of Montgomery. A representative from Hospice of Montgomery will call the patient's primary caregiver and schedule a meeting to explain hospice services to the patient and family. If hospice services are desired, the patient will be asked to sign consent forms - the caregiver will be asked to sign the forms if the patient is unable to sign.