Hospice care is specialized care for the last year of life. People who enter hospice care have chosen not to pursue additional treatment for their conditions. Hospice is neither about speeding up, nor postponing, death. The goals of hospice care are quality of life, comfort, and connecting with loved ones.

Hospice is a system of patient care that relies on family members or other caregivers, supported by professionals who make regular visits and are available around the clock. It usually takes place in the home, although it can also be provided at a hospice unit within a hospital, in a freestanding hospice, in an extended care facility, or in a nursing home. If your symptoms become more difficult to control, you can still be admitted to the hospital for short stays.

Talk to your doctor and your family if you are considering hospice as an option.

What services does hospice provide?

Your hospice service will not provide 24-hour, in-home care. Instead, hospice team members will teach your family and caregivers the skills they need to care for you. To support your family and caregivers, the hospice team will provide:

• Visits from a specially trained hospice nurse
• Bereavement care and counseling to your surviving family and friends
• Carefully managed and supervised pain management
• 24-hour support to answer questions over the phone or to make an emergency visit
• Visits from a nurse’s aide a couple of times per week to help you with bathing, dressing, and other basic activities
• Visits from volunteers who may read to you, help you write letters, bring pets, or provide a break for your caregivers

Does insurance cover hospice care?

Medicare and most private health insurance policies cover hospice, but you usually pay a portion of the cost. Consult with your health insurance company to learn about your options. Medicare beneficiaries may be eligible for additional hospice benefits as well.

More information on hospice care:

National Association for Home Care & Hospice – a national agency locator tool.

Medicare Hospice Benefits – This booklet, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, provides detailed information on Medicare coverage of hospice services.

End-of-Life Care for People who Have Cancer – The National Cancer Institute answers frequently asked questions about hospice and end-of-life care.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization – dedicated to improving end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones.

Palliative Doctors – helps connect patients and families with local palliative care and hospice resources. Information provided by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.