Frequently Asked Questions
Hospice 101 – What you should know.
- Hospice is a Medicare benefit election; it does not mean that you give up your right to health care; the focus is on the overall health of the patient
- Hospice care can be provided anywhere you live: at home, in assisted living, in a nursing home, the VA, in a group home, or even a shelter
- Hospice is a full system of support providing healthcare, pain management, medication, supplies, and equipment all covered by the Hospice Medicare benefit at no cost to you
- Hospice means extra attention, including a nurse hotline on call 24 hours a day
- You can keep your primary doctor
- You can change your mind, stop hospice care, and go back to your prior benefits anytime
- vCare Hospice’s team approach means:
- Access to 24/7 nursing care,
- Hospice physician visits, oversight, and consultation,
- Counseling, both spiritual and emotional,
- Certified hospice aid care,
- Services of a patient and family needs specialist/social worker to find solutions to any needs or challenges
- Volunteer staff is also available for companionship and check ins
More Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for hospice care?
Hospice care is available to anyone with a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by your physician and the hospice medical director. For more information about eligibility, please ask your doctor or contact vCare Hospice.
Who decides whether I begin hospice service?
The decision is made by you, along with your physician and loved ones.
Who provides hospice care?
Care is provided by our interdisciplinary team of professionals and support personnel. It includes your physician, the hospice medical director, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement staff, and volunteers.
May I stop hospice services?
Yes, you can make the decision to stop hospice services at any time if you decide to seek curative treatment or just change your mind. There may be other times where hospice is no longer appropriate or your condition improves and hospice care needs to be discontinued. You may re-apply for hospice benefits at a later time if necessary.
Who can hospice help?
Hospice care is available for anyone with a terminal diagnosis and a life expectancy of six months or less. Typical diagnoses of people who receive hospice care include Congestive Heart Failure, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Stroke, Coma, Kidney failure, Liver failure, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and other illnesses.
What services does hospice provide?
Hospice services vary based on the needs of the patient and their family. Typical services include visits from nurses and other healthcare professionals, pain and symptom relief, training for Caregivers, spiritual and emotional support, bereavement services, and personal care support.
Who pays for hospice?
Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance companies. Commonly, hospice care provides financial relief to those with a life-limiting illness because all services related to that illness, such as medication, equipment and supplies, are covered by hospice care benefits – with few out-of-pocket expenses.
Where will I receive hospice care?
The location where hospice care is provided varies based on the patient’s needs and situation. Care can be provided anywhere a patient calls home. Often times this means their personal home, but it could also be in a nursing or group home. Our care team partners with families and on-site caregivers wherever care is provided.
Is hospice care different than medical care?
vCare Hospice offers medical care using the most advanced techniques. The difference is that hospice care focuses on pain and symptom management rather than curing the illness. We also focus on the spiritual and emotional needs of the patient and the family.
Will my primary physician still be involved in my care?
Yes. Your physician will be an important part of your care team and will be involved in the development of your care plan.
Will I need to make changes in my home or have special equipment?
vCare Hospice will assess and recommend equipment needs as well as help you make arrangements to have them set up in your home. Many types of equipment are covered by Medicare or insurance plans.
How often will I receive care?
Hospice care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The frequency and level of care varies depending on the patient’s and family’s needs. Hospice visits are based on specific needs, the care plan, and the condition of the patient.
What if my condition improves?
It is possible for people to go on and off hospice as needed. If your condition improves, your disease is in remission, or you change your mind and want to receive curative treatment, you may discharge from the hospice and return to regular care. The decision is yours.
Does hospice care continue after death?
Yes, vCare Hospice provides continuous support to the family for at least a year after their loved one dies, including grief support and bereavement services.
Is vCare Hospice associated with a religious group?
No. vCare Hospice is not associated with any particular religion or church, and our chaplains are non-denominational. In offering spiritual support, we honor different faith backgrounds and provide spiritual care to patients of all religions and beliefs.
Will my benefits end after six months?
No. Medicare and most insurance providers will continue to pay for hospice care if the physician confirms a limited life expectancy.
No. Medicare and most insurance providers will continue to pay for hospice care if the physician confirms a limited life expectancy.
You may ask your physician to submit a referral, or you may contact vCare Hospice if you’d like us to work directly with your physician. After your physician refers you to hospice care, you and your family will meet with an admissions nurse to determine your needs and arrange for an individualized plan of care.
