Hospice is a service that offers specialized care for individuals nearing the end of life. But it is not just for the last few days. In fact, Medicare pays for months of in-depth services to patients and their families. For instance:
- Do you wish you had help with bathing your loved one?
- Are you worried about keeping your relative comfortable and out of pain or suffering?
- Do you wish you had 24/7 access to medical advice?
Hospice offers these services and more. Its goal is to support the patient and family emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
With hospice care, your relative receives regular home visits from
- a nurse who comes to manage pain, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms
- a home health aide who helps with bathing or other personal care
- a social worker offering local resource guidance and emotional support, including to families after the patient has passed away
- a chaplain for spiritual support as the end nears
Such services are fully covered by Medicare if your loved one meets these eligibility requirements:
- An incurable condition
- A doctor’s assessment that they are not likely to live longer than six months
- A willingness to let go of curative treatment
With hospice, the focus is patient dignity and quality of life. It is the right choice for individuals who would rather enjoy the time they have left than face more ER visits and hospitalizations. Or are plain tired of dealing with the rigors and side effects of treatment that offers slim or no chance of recovery.
If you think your loved one could benefit from hospice care, ask the doctor a simple question: “Would you be surprised if [your relative] were to die in the next year?” If the doctor says “no,” then it’s wise to talk about if/when a hospice referral would be appropriate. In hindsight, many families say they wish they had signed up sooner.