HOSPICE CARE
Hospice care is palliative (comfort) care for those with an advanced, life-limiting illness. This specialized care is recommended when a terminal condition can no longer be improved or cured, and life expectancy is 6 months or less.
Hospice facts:
• A team of specially trained professionals delivers services to wherever
the patient calls home.
• The team provides compassionate support to the patient as well as
family caregivers.
• The primary goal of hospice care is to manage pain and symptoms so
the individual can live as comfortably as possible.
• Most hospice care is paid for by Medicare and Medicaid through the
hospice benefit.
• The Medicare Hospice Benefit pays for all medication, supplies, and
equipment related to the terminal diagnosis.
• Most hospice patients do not have any out-of-pocket expenses.
• There is no limit to the time a patient remains eligible for hospice care.
• Hospice provides 24/7 telephone support.
• Hospice patients are not giving up on life; they are choosing quality
of life.
• Hospice support continues for the family for 13 months after the
patient dies.
Quick advice:
• Speak and think openly as much as possible about what you want and
what you need.
• You can always ask for change, whether in equipment or personnel.
Local resource:
• The New Mexico Care Planning Council lists hospices by county and
includes other caregiver resources at: carenewmexico.org
Sources: National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Del Corazon Hospice and Ambercare in Santa Fe
Support And Self Care
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2022-02-27T08:00:00.0000000Z
2022-02-27T08:00:00.0000000Z
https://enewmexican.com/article/282626036128664
Santa Fe New Mexican