Medicare and Hospice Care – 6 Questions Answered

As a leading hospice in South Jersey, we often find a lot of confusion among the public about hospice care and what hospice services are really about. This lack of information can lead not only to misconceptions, but also patients missing out on the best possible care during the end of their lives. Our team would like to share answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:

1. What is hospice? Hospice is a name given to a range of services specially designed to care for terminally ill people, as well as support their families and loved ones. Rather than offering treatment or cures, hospice focuses on pain relief and symptom management, giving patients as much comfort as possible.
2. Will Medicare cover hospice? This depends on the hospice provider you choose, but many are affordable under Medicare. Basic requirements for the resident include eligibility for Medicare Part A, certification by a doctor and the hospice director that they are terminally ill with six months or less to live, and lastly, that the chosen provider is Medicare-approved.
3. What hospice services will Medicare cover? These can include doctor services and nursing care, medical equipment (walkers, etc.), medication for pain and symptom management, physical and occupational therapy, grief counselling, and short-term respite and inpatient care.
4. What hospice services will Medicare not cover? No services or medications focused on curing their terminal health condition will be covered.
5. Will guardians and family still be able to give input on care? The interdisciplinary team will work with you to develop a care plan uniquely suited to your loved one’s needs. It includes things like the frequency of visits by the doctor and nurses, as well as therapists and other hospice team members.
6. Does choosing hospice mean giving up on my loved one? Absolutely not. When medical treatment is no longer an option, hospice services provide a means for your loved one to live in comfort and with dignity. Hospice care is about giving patients the best possible quality of life, surrounded by loved ones and all the comforts of home. For families, this brings peace-of-mind that loved ones’ care needs are well taken care of, and frees up time to spend enjoying the company of loved ones.

Need More Information? Speak to the Team at Our Hospice in South Jersey 

At The Shores, a part of the well-known United Methodist Communities non-profit organization in New Jersey, we offer care in a compassionate, professional hospice neighborhood in the Jersey Shore area called Bridges.

It focuses on creating a nurturing and comforting environment for individuals and their loved ones through customized care programs and compassionate support. To find out more about our hospice neighborhood in Cape May County, please visit our website at https://umcommunities.org/theshores/hospice-care-nj/ or contact us today and schedule your visit.