Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Care

It is a common misconception that hospice is only for the final days of life. Hospice care focuses on living life to the fullest.

What is Hospice?

Hospice care is care that concentrates on maximizing the quality of life and promoting comfort and dignity for the individuals who are experiencing advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice provides basic medical care, emotional and spiritual support, and education and guidance. Hospice is family centered, and focuses on including families in decisions, and assisting in the challenges they may face.

Hospice focuses on allowing individuals to live as fully and comfortably as possible. The focus of hospice is to ensure the highest quality of life is attained. A team of specially trained professionals work together to manage symptoms so that a person’s last days and months may be spent with dignity, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice care focuses on treating the symptoms of a disease while also focusing on the aspects of life most important to the individual.

What Services Does Hospice Provide?

• Pain and symptom management
• Support from hospice 24/7
• Basic medical care
• Medications
• Social support and connection with local resources
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Caregiver education
• Volunteer support
• Bereavement support and more

For more information about our services, visit the Services page.

Where is Hospice Care Provided?

Hospice serves those with terminal illness in the comfort of whatever setting they call their home. While hospice care has been traditionally provided in the home setting, hospice can be delivered in a multitude of settings. Our team delivers care in homes, apartments, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, assisted living facilities and more.

What are the First Steps to Getting Hospice Care?

The first step to receiving hospice care is to contact the hospice team. The Honor Hospice team can be contacted by filling out our contact form or giving us a call at 734-470-3901. During the initial call, our team will answer any questions, some background information may be gathered, and we will set up a time for an initial assessment to be completed by one of our nurses. During this detailed assessment our team will assess hospice eligibility, assist with care planning, evaluate the need for pain and symptom management, provide information on the care options, and take the time to answer all of your questions in depth. The Honor Hospice team will work with you to determine if enrolling in hospice care is the best option.

How is Hospice Paid For?

Hospice is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, as well as most private insurances. Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE will fully cover the costs of medications, medical equipment, medical supplies, and for the care provided by the hospice team related to the hospice diagnosis. Most private insurances follow Medicare in their reimbursements and requirements for eligibility for hospice care. Private pay is an option if an individual does not have insurance, or if the individual’s insurance does not fully cover the full cost of hospice. Our team will also work with the uninsured to connect with resources so that you do not have to worry about not receiving hospice due to lack of money.

Who is Eligible for Hospice Care?

Individuals are eligible for hospice when a physician determines the individual’s life expectancy is six months or less if the disease continues as expected. The decision may be made when available treatments no longer can cure the disease, or the symptoms of treatment may outweigh the benefits to the individual. To see if hospice may be right for you or a loved one, review our eligibility guidelines or contact our team to find out more.

For more information, please fill out our contact form or give us a call at 734-470-3901 and our team would be more than happy to answer your questions.

*Average length of stay for Medicare patients in 2020 according to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.