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» Learn More about Community
Hospices in your area:
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- What is a referral?
- A referral is a request to
meet with Community Hospices' staff in order to
learn more about our guidelines and services.
It is the opportunity to find out if hospice care is right
for the patient.
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- Who can make a referral?
- Anyone can make a referral,
including family, friends or physician.
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- Will I be dropped from hospice care after six months?
- No. As long as your
condition has not stabilized or improved, your
doctor can re-certify you for hospice care, regardless
of the rate of decline. back to top
- Who determines when hospice care begins?
- By law, the patient must choose hospice care. Hospice is an option that should be considered whenever a patient has a life-threatening illness with a diagnosis of six months or less to live. Our staff is available to discuss any concerns with patients, family members and physicians.
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- Will our doctor tell us when hospice care is appropriate?
- Choosing hospice care is a very personal decision. Patients and family members should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or friends. It is important to let your physician know that you are interested in hospice care and not wait for him or her to initiate the topic. back to top
- How do I prepare my home for hospice care?
- A Community Hospices nurse will make arrangements so that any needed items such as a hospital bed, wheelchair or oxygen will be delivered to your home. Your nurse will usually deliver smaller supplies such as disposable pads, gloves, and dressings. If you encounter equipment or supply problems, please contact your nurse or Community Hospices and we will be happy to make the necessary arrangements. back to top
- What happens at admission?
- During the admissions
process the hospice will contact the patient’s
physician to make sure he/she agrees that hospice
care is appropriate. The patient will then be
asked to sign consent forms stating that he/she
understands that hospice care is palliative,
aimed at pain relief and symptom control, rather
than curative. The patient will also be asked
to fill out insurance forms. back to top
- What if we want to stop receiving hospice services?
- Patients and family
members have the right and privilege to terminate
hospice care at any time. Please discuss any
changes you wish to make with one of your hospice
team members or call our office. back to top
- Will my insurance cover hospice care?
- Most major insurance companies offer a hospice benefit. Families should check with their employer or health insurance provider to be sure of coverage. Medicare and Medicaid also provide hospice coverage on an individual basis.
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- Is the home the only place patients can receive hospice care?
- No. Hospice care can be given in nursing homes, long term care facilities, a family member’s home or anywhere the patient resides. back to top
- How much will I have to pay for hospice care?
- Community Hospices accepts
all patients meeting our admission criteria. No patient
is refused care due to lack of ability to pay for
services. Forms of payment include Medicare, Medicaid,
health insurance, private payments grants. Patients
with limited resources are billed according to their
ability to pay. We are able to help people with limited
resources through generous donations that we receive. back to top
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