Barring this, most hospices will provide care for those who cannot pay, using money raised from the community or from memorial or foundation gifts. Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Most hospices also sponsor bereavement and support groups for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a family member, a friend, or a loved one. Medicare covers all services and supplies related to the terminal illness for the hospice patient. You should find out about any co-payment when choosing a hospice.
Volunteers play an extremely important role in hospice nationwide.
Without them, in fact, most hospices would not be able to carry on their work. Of the 115,000 persons involved in hospice care in America, some 95,000 are volunteers and each year they give more than 5 million hours to helping dying persons and their families. They provide assistance at all levels of skill. Many are relatives and friends of former hospice patients who, having seen how much hospice can help, want to contribute to its good work. To qualify to assist in patient care, volunteers must undergo a rigorous training program.