Hospice is for people who don't need a high level of care. Hospice is serious medicine. Most hospices are Medicare-certified, requiring that they employ experienced medical and nursing personnel with skills in symptom control. Hospice is only for people who can accept death. While those affected by terminal illness struggle to come to terms with death, hospices gently help them find their way at their own speed.
Many hospices welcome inquiries from families who are unsure about their needs and preferences.
Hospice staff are readily available to discuss all options and to facilitate family decisions. Hospice care is expensive. Most people who use hospice are over 65 and are entitled to the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Hospice is not covered by managed care. On the other hand, those under 65 are confined to the MCO's services, but are likely to gain access to hospice care upon inquiry.