FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes referrals?
Anyone can make a referral. Doctors or hospital social workers refer a large percentage of patients. Relatives and friends may refer a loved one. Sometimes the patient will call for himself.

Who is eligible for Hospice services?
A person diagnosed with a disease from which he/she is not expected to recover, who is no longer receiving curative treatment, and whose life expectancy is six months or less, is eligible for Hospice.

How is Hospice care different from regular medical care?
Hospice care is a patient centered approach that recognizes impending death. It is different because the focus changes from curative care, treating to cure, to palliative care, relieving pain and controlling symptoms.

Who pays for Hospice?
Medicare or private insurance companies pay for Hospice. Patients without coverage may apply for Medicaid and Illinois Department of Public Aid. No one is turned away because of lack of financial resources.

Does Hospice only care for patients with cancer?
No, Hospice care is available to any person with a life limiting and terminal illness. Some examples are: congestive heart failure, end stage chronic lung disease, kidney or liver failure and advanced Alzheimer’s.

What services are covered by the Hospice benefit?
Visits from the Hospice Team, medications, and equipment are covered by the Hospice benefit.

How will I know which medications will be paid for by Hospice and which medications will be my responsibility?
The Hospice benefit pays for medication that provides comfort to the patient to relieve pain, treat nausea, calm nerves, and promote sleep. Two examples of medications son covered would be vitamins or high blood pressure medication that the patient has taken for years.

Can I still visit my doctor? What does the Medical Director do?
Yes, your primary physician remains in charge and participates in the patient care plan. The Medical Director assist in developing the plan based on the needs and desires of the patient. The Medical Director coordinates patient care with the supervising doctor and the Hospice staff.

Does Hospice provide care around the clock?
No, a Hospice nurse is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions, help with concerns, and come to the home if a crisis occurs.

How often does the nurse come to see me?
The nurse comes as often as the patient needs to be seen. If pain is out of control, or other distressing problems occur, the nurse may visit daily. Due to the disease process, the frequency of visits changes as the patient’s needs change.

Why must there be a primary caregiver in my home?
As the disease progresses, it will cause a decline in the patient’s ability to function independently and it would be unsafe fro the patient to be alone. Medication and equipment need to be handled carefully to ensure they are used correctly. This requires a caregiver that is able and willing to perform the needed duties.

Can the staff of a nursing home be considered my caregiver?
Yes, patients that live at home, a relative’s home, or in a nursing home are cared for in the same way. The caregivers or the nursing home staff will be instructed on comfort measures. Hospice care will be in addition to the care offered by the nursing home.

Why should I use the services of the volunteer, social worker, chaplain, and grief coordinator?
The patient and family should receive support services from the entire Hospice team of trained professionals. They will be a le t o address the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of the patient and family.

What if I change my mind and want to return to curative treatment?
The patient may leave the Hospice program at any time. Should the patient wish to return to Hospice care, the Hospice benefit can be reinstated.

What bereavement support is available to family members?