It’s never easy to face the difficult decisions that come with a terminal illness, like considering whether hospice is right for you. The thought of hospice can be scary, but it’s important to learn about your options.
Medicare covers hospice care so that those who are terminally ill can spend the last moments of their lives with dignity and comfort, among loved ones. Hospice focuses on comfort or “palliative care,” not curing an illness.
Deciding you need hospice care can be a difficult choice to make, and it’s important to be informed about what hospice covers. Here are a few of the services hospice provides:
- You can get care in your home.
- A specially-trained team of professionals and caregivers provide care for the “whole person,” including your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
- Services typically include physical care, counseling, drugs, equipment, and supplies for the terminal illness and related conditions.
- Support for family caregivers.
- Once you choose hospice care, your hospice benefit should cover everything you need.
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a good time to learn more about the care and support available to people who are terminally ill.
- For more information about hospice, watch a brief video about hospice.
- To find a hospice program, talk to your doctor or visit the Hospice Foundation of America’s hospice directory.
- To find additional resources and support, visit the Hospice Foundation of America (HFA), the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), or the Hospice Association of America (HAA).
Filed under: Medicare coverage, Uncategorized
