FAQ & Resources
We have listed some of the most frequently asked questions concerning hospice and the referral process. There are no “wrong” questions and we will make every effort to address any of your concerns. We’re just a phone call away – call us at (951) 679-8872.
- What is Hospice?
- Who is appropriate for hospice?
- Where may hospice care be provided?
- Who pays for hospice?
- Is the patient’s primary physician involved?
- What if a patient is not ready for hospice?
- How long does the admission process take?
- How does hospice "manage" pain?
- What is respite care?
- Does hospice provide assistance to the family after the patient dies?
- Doc Talk Articles
- National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: www.nhpco.org
- California Hospice and Palliative Care Association: www.calhospice.org
- Hospice Foundation of America: www.hospicefoundation.org
- Alzheimer's Disease Association: www.alz.org
- American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
Hospice is a special kind of caring designed for terminally ill patients and their families. The hospice approach to care focuses on palliation and symptom management as opposed to curative care. Hospice care considers the entire family, not just the patient, as the “unit of care.” It emphasizes quality rather than length of life. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Anyone who has a limited life expectancy due to a terminal disease and who has chosen an emphasis on quality and comfort care rather than curative measures and length of life. Back to Top
Most patients prefer to be in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. However, hospice may also be provided in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), inpatient hospice facility or hospital, assisted living facility or Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) also known as Board and Care Home. Care is delivered wherever the patient lives. Back to Top
Hospice services are paid by Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most managed care providers/HMOs. In addition, a patient may pay privately for hospice services. When no source of funding is available, charitable donated funds can be used to pay for hospice services within available resources. As a general rule, the payor pays for IDT services, short-term inpatient care for acute symptom management, respite care up to five consecutive days per episode and everything including medications, and medical equipment and supplies related to the terminal illness. Back to Top
Yes. It is always the patient’s choice to keep his/her primary care physician who is most familiar with the patient’s medical condition. Back to Top
We are happy to meet with the patient and explain hospice benefits and our care which is patient and family directed. There is no charge or obligation. We know how difficult this decision can be for the patient and their family. Back to Top
We hold ourselves to a higher standard because we believe our patients deserve it. We have developed our own high quality and efficient service standards and we call every family immediately after a referral is received. It is also our service standard to begin the admission process on the same day as the referral date. Back to Top
Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. They are experts in palliative care. Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain is just as real and in need of attention as physical pain. It is the goal of hospice to allow the patient to be pain free, and at the same time, as alert as possible. Back to Top
Respite care is a short-term care (5 consecutive days per episode) and it is available to allow primary caregivers time away from caregiving and get some deserved rest and relaxation or to be able to attend to personal needs. During a period of respite care, the patient will be cared for in a facility, such as a hospice facility, hospital or nursing home. Back to Top
Hope Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for at least 13 months following the death of a loved one. Hospice provides grief and loss support groups and educational programs to the community as well. Back to Top
