Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should hospice care be considered, and who makes the decision?
Hospice care can be discussed at any time during a serious illness. The decision to begin hospice care belongs to the patient. If the patient is unable to communicate, a family member or healthcare decision-maker can help make that choice, with guidance from a physician.
2. Should we wait for a doctor to suggest hospice?
No. Patients and families can bring up hospice care at any time with their doctor, nurse, or other trusted individuals such as clergy or friends.
3. Can a patient leave hospice if their condition improves?
Yes. If a patient’s condition improves, they can leave hospice and return to regular medical treatment. If hospice care is needed again later, they can re-enroll.
4. What happens during the admission process?
Mission Hospice will first speak with the patient’s doctor to confirm hospice is appropriate. The patient (or their decision-maker) will sign consent forms. If the patient does not have a doctor, Mission Hospice can help arrange one.
5. Will I need special equipment at home?
Mission Hospice will assess your needs and provide any necessary medical equipment, supplies, and support to keep the patient safe and comfortable at home.
6. Do patients have to stay home to receive hospice care?
No. Hospice focuses on quality of life. Patients are encouraged to continue enjoying activities and experiences that are meaningful to them whenever possible.
7. What services does Mission Hospice provide?
Patients are cared for by a team that may include:
Doctors and nurses
Social workers for psychosocial support
Home health aides
Spiritual counselors
Volunteers for companionship
Mission Hospice also provides medications, medical equipment, and supplies related to the illness.
8. Does hospice speed up the dying process?
No. Hospice does not speed up or delay death. The goal is to provide comfort, dignity, and support during the natural course of life.
9. Where can hospice care be provided?
Hospice care can be provided in:
A patient’s home
Nursing homes
Assisted living or residential care facilities
10. Is hospice care available 24/7?
Yes. Mission Hospice staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support, questions, and urgent visits.
11. Can a hospice patient still go to the hospital?
Yes. However, hospice teams can often manage symptoms at home to reduce the need for hospital visits and keep patients comfortable in their preferred setting.
12. How is pain managed?
Mission Hospice uses medications, therapies, and emotional and spiritual support to manage pain and symptoms. Care is personalized to each patient’s needs.
13. How effective is hospice at controlling pain?
Most patients achieve a comfortable level of pain control with the help of hospice care, often without needing invasive treatments like IV medications.
14. Will pain medication make the patient too sleepy or unaware?
Some medications may cause temporary drowsiness at first, but this usually improves within a few days. The care team will adjust medications based on the patient’s comfort and preferences.
15. Is hospice covered by insurance?
Yes. Hospice care is typically covered by:
Medicare
Medi-Cal (in California)
Most private insurance plans
Mission Hospice can help verify your coverage.
16. Are there out-of-pocket costs with Medicare?
The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers most hospice services, with little to no cost to the patient or family.
17. Is support available after a loved one passes away?
Yes. Mission Hospice offers bereavement support, including follow-up calls and counseling, for at least one year after a patient’s passing.
18. Does choosing hospice mean giving up hope?
No. Hospice is about living as fully and comfortably as possible. It focuses on quality of life, meaningful moments, and support for both patients and families.