UNDERSTANDING HOSPICE CARE

Hospice care is comfort care for those with an advanced, life-limiting illness. People are eligible for hospice care when they have a terminal condition that can no longer be improved or cured. Hospice care doesn’t prolong or shorten life; it manages pain and symptoms so the patient can live as comfortably as possible. Fast facts: • Hospice care is brought to the patient wherever they call home. • There is no limit to the time a patient remains eligible for hospice care. • Hospice care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. • Most hospice patients have no out-of-pocket expenses for hospice care. • The Medicare Hospice Benefit pays for all medication, medical supplies and equipment related to the terminal diagnosis. Hospice care includes the following services: • Compassionate support to the patient and family caregivers • Attend to the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs • Assist with end-of-life documents and arrangements • Nursing telephone support 24/7 • Thirteen months of bereavement guidance for loved ones Source: David Rodriguez, executive director of Del Corazon Hospice / delcorazonhospice.com