Hospice nurses have expertise in pain management and symptom control. All hospice program team members have received specialized training. Just as important, they provide support to the patient, family and friends. Talk to your doctor about when hospice is appropriate for you. No, hospice is appropriate care for patients with diagnosis such as advanced heart disease, advanced pulmonary disease, AIDS, Alzheimer's and other chronic diseases as well as cancer.
Hospice works with nursing homes.
The hospice team makes visits in the nursing home and coordinates care with nursing home caregivers. Patients who are eligible for Hospice may choose to have hospice in the nursing home. Hospice services are paid for by Medicare, Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare and commercial insurance. Your hospice program works with you and your family to identify ways to pay for services. Memorial gifts help to offer services to those who are unable to pay for all or a portion of their care.