The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or friends. It is important to let your physician know that you are interested in hospice care. Most physicians know about hospice. In addition, physicians and all others can also obtain information on hospice from the American Cancer Society , the American Association of Retired Persons, and the Social Security Administration. Hospice patients may reside in nursing homes.
Patients also receive short-term inpatient care if needed for symptom management.
For more information, click on Nursing Home Care and Inpatient Unit. The hospice contacts the patient s physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for this patient at this time. The patient will also be asked to sign consent and insurance forms. These are similar to the forms patients sign when they enter a hospital. It also outlines the services available.