Patients diagnosed with terminal illness can be cared for at home, allowing them to maintain their sense of dignity at the end of life. Hospice is a philosophy of care for terminally ill patients, their family, and friends. Compassionate care is given to relieve pain and control symptoms, but it cannot stop the ravages of disease. Hospice services include a continuous support network for the family and friends for at least one year after the patient's death. By law, the decision to enter a hospice program belongs to the patient.
Home care runs the gamut from sophisticated infusion of medicines to house cleaning.
Hospice provides a support system not only for the medical needs of the patient, but the emotional and spiritual needs as well. In addition, hospice care helps family and friends deal with the impending loss and their grief afterward. To be eligible, a physician must certify that the beneficiary has a life expectancy of six months or less. The Medicare benefits include both home care and inpatient care, and a variety of services not otherwise covered by Medicare. However, the hospice program must be Medicare-approved in order to receive payment.