Frequently Asked Questions


HandsWhat Is Hospice?


Hospice is not a place, but a concept of care.

Hospice care aims to lessen the severity of symptoms associated with terminal illnesses. We recognize the right of every person and family to actively participate in and make choices about the final stage of life’s journey.

Hospice:

  • Provides palliative care, which includes physical, emotional and spiritual care for patients and their families.
  • A philosophy that enhances the quality of life for each patient and their family.
  • Provides care in the comfort and privacy of the patient’s home or in a clinical setting.
  • Allows the patient to be surrounded by family, friends and people who matter most.
  • Provides services when efforts for cure have ceased.

Considerations for Admission:

  • The patient has a terminal illness with a limited life expectancy.
  • Efforts for cure have ceased and the focus is now on providing physical, emotional and spiritual comfort.
  • The patient and family desire hospice care.

The Referral Process

A referral may be made to Lighthouse Hospice by a physician, case manager or other healthcare provider, social worker, clergy, family member or individual. Upon referral, Lighthouse Hospice will contact the attending physician for approval and a staff member will visit the patient to determine the services needed and explain hospice benefits.

Payment Options

Hospice care is covered 100% by Medicare and Medicaid. Private insurance may cover all or part of hospice care. Hospice is also covered by veterans’ benefit plans. No patient is refused services regardless of ability to pay.

MYTHS


Hospice is 100% covered by most insurances.

True. Hospice is a fully covered Medicare benefit for all eligible patients, with no out-of-pocket expense. Hospice also is fully covered by most Medicaid and commercial insurances.

Hospice is a place.

False. Hospice is not a place - it's a service. Hospice brings physical, emotional, and spiritual care and support to wherever our patients call home. This can be a personal residence, nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, or other location of choice.

Hospice only provides care and support for the patient.

False. Hospice care is designed to support the entire family. In fact, hospice doesn't stop with the patient. Lighthouse Hospice offers bereavement services for 13 months following the passing of a loved one, providing valuable counseling and support.

Hospice helps patients with all kinds of illnesses - not just cancer.

True. Hospice is not just for cancer patients. Hospice is designed to provide care to anyone in the last six months of life. This care is extended to both the individual patient and to the family.

Hospice only helps patients for the last week of life.

False. Hospice is not just for the last few days or weeks of life. The benefit is designed to provide care for the last six months of life.

Hospice brings an entire team of professionals to wherever a patient calls home.

True. Hospice isn't just one person. It's a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, nursing assistants, volunteers, and other professionals who work together to meet the individual needs of each patient and family.

In order to qualify for hospice, a patient has to give up hope.

False. Hospice doesn't mean giving up hope or current treatments. Lighthouse Hospice recognizes the value of hope and the importance of faith.

Hospice is available 24 hours a day.

True. Hospice is caring and support that is available at all times. Lighthouse Hospice staff members are accessible to patients and families 24 hours a day.

All hospices are the same.

False. Just like with hospitals, physicians, and other professional services, all hospices are not the same. Different hospices have different levels of expertise, philosophies of care, and approaches to supporting patients and families.

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