FAQ
Hospice offers an affordable way to receive medical care at home. Many who access these benefits are over the age of 65 and are entitled to Medicare benefits which cover 100 percent of the cost of services and associated medication and supply costs. Medicaid and most commercial insurances also provide hospice coverage
Often, when patients elect hospice, it is their primary physician who authorizes, coordinates, and follows their care from start to finish. The Pines Home Health and Hospice will work closely with the physician of your choice as we provide care. If the patient does not have a primary care physician and needs to be seen by a doctor, the Hospice agency has Medical Directors who can visit the patient. Otherwise, recommendations can be made, and the agency can assist the patient in visiting another physician of their choice.
The Pines Home Health and Hospice participates in most insurance plans, including:
- Medicare (covers 100% of your home health or hospice care)
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicaid
- Most commercial insurances
- Private pay
We can work with your physician to help facilitate this process. With a completed referral, we can typically see you in 24-48 hours for urgent needs.
Hospice is serious medical care. Most agencies are Medicare-certified which requires them to employ experienced medical personnel specifically trained in modalities, techniques, and treatments to help achieve the desired outcomes. Hospice offers state-of-the-art palliative care using advanced technologies to prevent or alleviate distressing symptoms. The Pines employs only licensed and credentialed professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, social workers, aides, massage therapy, and medical dietitians.
Anyone under the care of a physician in need of home health or hospice services is eligible. At The Pines Home Health and Hospice, we work to help people of all ages to recuperate and live life to the fullest in the comfort of their home.
Hospice is a type of care that is designed to provide comfort at the end of a person’s life. The comfort is achieved by focusing on the physical, emotional, practical, and spiritual aspects of life. This means we will surround you with a caring team of professionals, including doctor, nurse, social worker, chaplain, grief counselor, and volunteers to support both the patient and family.
We come to you! Where ever you call home is where we go.
Great news! Hospice is a 100% covered Medicare Benefit. Most insurances cover hospice care. Hospice of the Pines is contracted with the VA and most major insurances.
Hospice of the Pines is responsible for most medical costs related to symptom management that are associated with your primary hospice diagnosis. This includes medications and durable medical equipment, such as oxygen. Since every person is different we can better answer this question when we meet you during your evaluation.
Hospice provides a lot, but it is important to understand that the Hospice team is not the primary caregivers. We are the secondary support who help the family, facility, or paid caregivers. Hospice is not a place, it is a type of care. Therefore, hospice can help a family make arrangements for a person who needs 24 hour caregivers in a facility or in the home. There are situations when the patient’s condition requires temporary 24/7 care to control the symptoms, but these are not the norm.
We celebrate! There are times when a patient improves to the point where our services are not needed. We like to believe this happens because we provided such great care that the patient was able to get healthier. When this happens we simply prepare the patient to work with their primary physician and gracefully transition out.
This is the big elephant in the room! Let’s take it on. Hospice does not hasten or cause death! We want to give you the best life possible while you are alive. However, we are honest in admitting we cannot prevent the dying process and ultimate death. This is a part of life, which we honor. We help by bringing comfort to you and your family throughout and after the end of life process. Our team provides expert care and guidance so you can experience peace, comfort, and quality of life.
According the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 13% of people on hospice lived beyond 6 months. 50% of patients will pass within three weeks.
Hospice is for anyone living with a type of life-limiting illness. The hospice program is for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, who are not seeking aggressive, curative treatment. Hospice is best when elected early as the patient, family and caregivers receive the help and support they need. Hospice is not a final choice or decision. Patients are free to leave the program at any time.
A diagnosis is the illness that is causing the symptoms the patient is experiencing. A prognosis is a prediction about how the illness will progress with an estimated timeline for changes.
Home health is a service designed to help you recover safely in an independent manner, in the comfortable setting of your home.
Home health is skilled clinical care ordered by a health care provider, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. These services typically include interventions from nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology. These services are designed to help you manage your condition and regain your independence after a recent illness, injury, or procedure. These are medical services typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance plans.
Personal home care services are non-clinical services that may include light housekeeping, transportation assistance, bathing, and light meal preparation. Typically, the patient and family pay the entire cost of these services.
Home health allows for earlier discharge from the hospital, reduces the risk for hospital re-admission, and supports a faster recovery. These services also allow for a return home sooner which facilitates social supports from family and friends.