What to consider when choosing hospice

Hospice is covered 100% by Medicare and most private insurance plans. To have hospice covered by Medicare, the person must stop treatments that are meant to cure the illness and choose care that focuses on comfort and quality of life instead.

Hospice care is primarily provided in the home, where most people wish to be, but may also be delivered in other facilities such as assisted-living facilities, nursing homes or other settings. It’s a compassionate, team approach that focuses on meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient as well as supporting their families and honoring individual preferences.

You can expect support services provided by doctors, advanced care providers such as nurse practitioners, nurses, home health aides, chaplains and medical social workers.

Sentara team members work directly with the patient’s hospice provider to create a transition plan, including scheduling your next steps and helping ensure everything is ready for your arrival. This includes setting up transportation for the patient when needed.

As you prepare to begin hospice care, it’s completely normal to have questions. Your hospital nurse, doctor, or care team member is here to help. Don’t hesitate to ask about what to expect, how to prepare, or any part of the process—we’re here to support you.

Hospice isn’t just for the patient. One of the most important aspects of hospice is the support it provides to loved ones caring for the patient. Your hospice team includes emotional support, guidance on daily routines and care as well as resources for the decisions associated with this time in the care plan.

And hospice support for loved ones doesn’t end after a loved one passes. Bereavement services are available for up to 13 months, including phone calls, cards, support groups and one-on-one sessions.

Hospice resources for patients and their loved ones

DME includes items such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wheelchair, walker, bedside commode, or other necessary equipment. The hospice provider will coordinate all aspects related to durable medical equipment (DME). They will order and deliver the equipment needed for your home, usually before or right around the time your loved one arrives.

How to prepare for DME delivery:

• Let the hospice team know about the layout where your loved one will be staying.
• Clear space for any large equipment before it arrives (DME companies do not move furniture).
• Plan what is needed and who will be home to receive it.

Your hospice provider will supply what’s needed to manage care and keep your loved one comfortable at home. This may include:

• Adult briefs/incontinence products
• Bathing and hygiene items (including disposable gloves)
• Medical equipment (hospital bed, oxygen, wheelchair, etc.)
• Wound care supplies

Families may choose to purchase some items, such as:

• Distilled water for the humidifier if the patient is on oxygen
• Extra pillows, blankets and sheets (including twin XL or full-size sheets needed for hospital bed)
• Personal toiletries (wipes, soap, lotion)
• Regular household cleaning items
• Over-the-counter medications not related to the terminal illness

Your hospice team will walk you through what’s needed and ensure you have the essential supplies on hand.

When hospice care begins, a nurse will complete an initial assessment within five days. As your loved one’s condition changes, especially during times of active decline or nearing the end of life, the number of visits may increase.

Your hospice team will visit regularly to check on your loved one, provide care, and answer any questions. Here’s how to help make visits go smoothly:

• Scheduling visits: Let your team know your preferred times for visits. They will do their best to accommodate, but some flexibility may be needed.
• Pets: For everyone’s safety, please keep pets contained during visits. If pets are not secured, the visit may need to be rescheduled.

Hospice will work with a preferred pharmacy to make sure medications arrive on time. If your loved one is taking other medications, let your hospice nurse know. Some medications may no longer be needed. Hospice staff can’t deliver medications.

Make sure to pick up any medications from the hospital pharmacy before your loved one is discharged.

Hospice nurses will provide medication support and education. They may prefill syringes to support caregivers.