Hospice
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between home health, palliative and hospice care?
Home health care supports recovery and management of medical conditions with skilled nursing and therapy services provided at home.
Palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom management for individuals with serious illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment.
Hospice care is for individuals facing advanced illness when the focus shifts to comfort, quality of life and support for both patients and families.
2. What is hospice care?
Hospice care is specialized medical care focused on comfort and quality of life for individuals facing advanced illness. Rather than pursuing curative treatment, hospice emphasizes pain and symptom management, emotional support and dignity.
3. When is it time to consider hospice care?
Hospice care may be appropriate when treatments are no longer effective or desired, symptoms become more difficult to manage or hospitalizations become more frequent. Families often benefit from having conversations early, even if they are simply gathering information and exploring options.
4. Who qualifies for hospice care?
Eligibility is typically determined by a physician and includes a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its expected course. Patients must also choose comfort-focused care rather than curative treatment for the hospice diagnosis. Our team can help review eligibility and answer questions about the process.
5. Can hospice care be provided at home?
Yes. Hospice care is most often provided in the comfort of a patient’s home, allowing individuals to remain in familiar surroundings with the people they love most. Hospice services may also be provided in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, personal care homes and inpatient hospice settings when appropriate.
6. Does hospice mean giving up?
No. Hospice shifts the focus of care from cure to comfort. It is about supporting quality of life, honoring individual wishes and ensuring dignity during advanced illness.
7. Can hospice care be stopped if circumstances change?
Yes. Patients have the right to discontinue hospice care at any time if they choose to pursue curative treatment again or if their condition improves.
8. Is support available for families?
Yes. Hospice care includes emotional, spiritual and practical support for families, as well as ongoing bereavement services for at least one year following a loved one’s passing.
9. What is bereavement care and who can use it?
Bereavement care provides emotional support, guidance and resources for individuals and families grieving the loss of a loved one. Good Samaritan Hospice offers bereavement support to families served by our hospice program, as well as select community grief resources and support opportunities. Services may include supportive calls, counseling referrals, memorial events and grief support groups.
10. How quickly can hospice services begin?
Once eligibility is confirmed and a referral is received, services can often begin promptly. Our team works closely with physicians and discharge planners to ensure timely coordination.
11. Can hospice care be provided if my loved one lives alone?
Yes. Hospice care can be provided for individuals who live alone, though additional planning may be needed to ensure safety and support. Our team works with families to evaluate the home environment, discuss caregiving needs and identify community resources when appropriate. Hospice nurses are available 24 hours a day for guidance and urgent concerns.
12. What if we’re not sure it’s time for hospice yet?
It’s common to feel uncertain. Families are encouraged to reach out even if they are simply gathering information. Our team can provide an evaluation, answer questions and help you understand whether hospice, or another level of care, may be appropriate. Having the conversation early does not commit you to starting services, but it can provide clarity and peace of mind.