A federal rule requires hospitals to tell people about hospice services if they are being discharged with a terminal illness and are expected to die in the next several months. If any of the services are limited, ask what assistance can be provided to obtain other home care services if needed Ask for specific names and telephone numbers of other who have used this agency. There are about 2,000 hospices in the U.S. and about 1,600 are covered by Medicare. Hospice returns the natural process of dying to the home or home like setting, amid familiar surroundings and the comforting presence of family. Hospice focuses on caring for the whole person, restoring dignity to the final days.
Any terminal illness is appropriate for hospice are.
Care is provided by a Medicare hospice program. Medicare will pay for two 90 day periods and one additional 30 day period and an unlimited number of extensions if re-certified terminally ill. Medical social work and counseling for patient and caregivers. For info, call the National Hospice Organization at 800 658-8898. Hospices provide nursing care, medical equipment, drugs, physical and psychological therapy and social services.