By Dr. Ann Lima

Hospice is a type of health care that prioritizes comfort and quality of life, reducing pain and suffering, and palliation that is provided near, and at the end of, a person’s life. It is provided by an integrative team that focuses on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and their family.

The hospice team helps family and friends care for their loved one in their own home. However, if home is not an option for some patients, the hospice team has agreements with various facilities to provide the end of life benefit if needed at any point in the process. The hospice team acquires the equipment needed to care for the patient in the setting they have chosen, including items like hospital beds, oxygen, personal care items, and medications.

Some people believe hospice is only for cancer patients, however hospice cares for all eligible patients regardless of diagnosis. Anyone with a terminal illness and have been seen by a provider who certifies that they believe the patient has less than 6 months to live are those who qualify for hospice. However, a patient does not need an order from a provider to discuss hospice services with any of the agencies. The team works with the patient’s provider to determine what the patient’s needs are. There are multiple agencies in our area including Elite Home Health and Hospice, St. Joseph Hospice and Syringa Hospice. They all follow a similar philosophy of care that focuses on quality of life.

Hospice is a benefit covered by most insurances. It is covered by Medicare under the Medicare Hospice Benefit and most insurances model their own hospice benefit under this. Generally, the hospice benefit covers 100% of costs with few exceptions. There is a team including nurses, chaplains, social workers, therapists, doctors, and more that are available to provide and direct care with the goal of a comfortable, dignified, respectful end of life experience that everyone deserves.