The term “hospice” invokes fear in the hearts of families… people often view it as a “death sentence” for their loved one. But instead, hospice provides wonderful assistance and support to patients and their families in very difficult times. Hospice care is provided when a doctor determines that a patient is likely to pass away within the next six months. Hospice is a “service” that is provided by an approved team that must include a physician, nurse, physical therapist and other available staff. The goal of hospice is to eliminate the patient’s discomfort and pain (“palliative care”), and make the end of life journey easier. Members of the hospice team visit at periodic intervals to make sure the patient’s needs are being met and that the family is also receiving sufficient support. Medicare Part A, Medicare Advantage Plans, or Medicare HMOs (such as Kaiser) will pay the cost of hospice, as long as there is a “six month diagnosis.” However, this does not mean that Medicare’s hospice coverage is limited to only six months. Hospice can continue much longer than six months, and it can also be “cancelled” by the patient or family at any time. For example, my father, who had terminal cancer, was receiving hospice care in the home for several months. During his hospice care, a new cancer drug was approved which made us believe there was some hope for a miracle. My father cancelled hospice, and received the new cancer treatment. Later, when it was obvious that the new cancer drug would not save his life, he re-enrolled in hospice, and later passed away in the home, with hospice workers tending to his personal hygiene, pain management, and other areas.
Interestingly, not all doctors order hospice when the family believes it is appropriate. Similarly, many doctors recommend hospice, and the family is completely unfamiliar with its benefits. Accordingly, it is important that families caring for their elderly or ill loved ones understand this important service, recognize when it is appropriate, and be an effective and informed advocate.
For more information, please call the Law Office of Jane M. McNamara at 661-287-3260.