Hospice care is comfort care for those with an advanced, life-limiting illness. People are eligible for hospice care when they have a terminal condition that can no longer be improved or cured. Hospice care doesn’t prolong or shorten life; it manages pain and symptoms so the patient can live as comfortably as possible.

Fast facts:

• Hospice care is brought to the patient wherever they call home.

• There is no limit to the time a patient remains eligible for hospice care.

• Hospice care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

• Most hospice patients have no out-of-pocket expenses for hospice care.

• The Medicare Hospice Benefit pays for all medication, medical supplies

and equipment related to the terminal diagnosis.

Hospice care includes the following services:

• Compassionate support to the patient and family caregivers

• Attend to the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs

• Assist with end-of-life documents and arrangements

• Nursing telephone support 24/7

• Thirteen months of bereavement guidance for loved ones

Source: David Rodriguez, executive director of Del Corazon Hospice / delcorazonhospice.com