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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Hospice?

A. Hospice is a special kind of care designed to provide sensitivity and support for people in the final phase of a terminal illness. We seek to enable patients to carry on an alert, pain-free life so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality at home.



Q. How does Hospice work?

A. Hospice services are available to those who can no longer benefit from curative treatment; the hospice patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. Services are provided by a team of trained professionals – physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, social workers, aides, and volunteers – who provide medical care and support services not only to the patient, but to the patient’s family and caregivers.



Q. How does Hospice differ from other types of healthcare?

A. We offer palliative rather than curative treatment; we treat the person, not the disease; we emphasis quality, rather than length of life; we consider the entire family, not just the patient the unit of care; and we offer help and support to the patient and family on a 24-hour-a-day seven-days-a-week basis.



Q. Who pays for Hospice care?

A. Hospice care is a covered benefit under most private insurance plans, including HMO’s and managed care organizations as well as both Medicare and Medicaid. Hospice of the Hills also relies on grants and community support for donations. No patient is ever turned away because of their inability to pay for services.



Q. How do I know if my loved one is eligible for Hospice services?

A. The guidelines are: A person with an incurable illness who has a life expectancy of six months or less. Curative treatment of the disease or illness has ended. The attending physician and the Hospice Medical Director must agree that Hospice care is appropriate.



Q. How are patients admitted to Hospice?

A. Hospice services are available to persons who can no longer benefit from curative treatment and the patient and family want to receive care at home. Services are provided by a team of trained professionals; phsyicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, social workers, aides, and volunteers, who provide medical care and support services not only to the patient, but to the patient's family and caregivers.

The patient is usually referred to hospice by the primary physician. Referrals can also be made by family members, friends, clergy, or health professionals. Hospice of the Hills does require approval of the patient's attending physician prior to the hospice staff admitting the patient to hospice services.