We should have called you sooner. As hospice providers we often hear this from families and patients. People are often reluctant to contact hospice for support because they feel like theyre giving up. Many times they call too late, so their loved ones miss out on all the benefits of hospice care. Did you know: Hospice gives you control.Calling hospice empowers you and your loved ones with choices regarding what you want, and what is most important to you, at the end of life. Together, we design the care you want, in the manner you choose, on your terms. Hospice gives you choice.Your choices and goals for your plan of care may change over time. While you have to qualify for hospice, you can opt out at any time. You can opt back in later, as long as you qualify. Hospice benefits the entire family.Hospice care benefits include a variety of support services for you and your loved ones, including pain and symptom management, education, emotional and spiritual support, help with the patients personal care and hygiene, and respite care to give a family caregiver a break of up to 5 days. Most hospice care occurs at home.Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care that is provided in the place you call home, surrounded by the people and things you love. The care team comes to you in your home, along with the equipment needed, medications and supplies, all covered under the hospice benefit. Inpatient care can be provided, if needed. Hospice is a covered benefit.Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans. Who is eligible for hospice?Patients who choose to no longer receive treatments to cure their life-limiting illness, but instead choose care to improve their comfort and quality of life, may be eligible for hospice. Typical diagnoses may include life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, end-stage heart, lung or renal disease, dementia, ALS, stroke, and neurological disorders, among others. Editors Note:This article was submitted by Rochelle Kelly Wristen with CenterCare Hospice. She may be reached at 719-544-5891.
