Hospice FAQs
What is hospice?
Hospice is medical care for people who likely have six months or less to live and curing the condition is no longer an option. Hospice focuses on the quality of the remaining time, providing comfort and care to the individual and their loved one.
When should someone choose hospice?
The earlier someone selects hospice, the more time they will have to experience the benefits hospice has to offer. Our section of When to Choose Hospice outlines specific milestones for electing hospice.
Where does hospice care take place?
Hospice takes place wherever the person calls home. Home includes private residences, assisted living centers, nursing homes, or even hospitals.
What is hospice care like?
Hospice care is centered on the individual and family needs, so each care plan is different. Our section on What to Expect with Hospice Care details what services are provided.
Is hospice covered by insurance?
Yes, hospice is a covered insurance benefit. Redwood Hospice will verify your specific insurance benefits prior to the start of care. Medicare covers most or all hospice services. Non-Medicare Commercial insurance carriers also cover hospice care. Redwood will specify your benefits and coverage before admission onto our care.
Veterans have hospice benefits through Tricare.
How does someone start hospice?
Usually, the person’s attending physician refers their patient to hospice which is confirmed by the hospice physician.
Sometimes, a person or their family will begin the process. But, to be eligible for hospice, two physicians are involved (in addition to the hospice admitting nurse). Typically, this is the referring physician (such as the primary care or attending physician), and the Hospice Medical Director.
Regardless, a person and their family can always advocate for hospice as a preference and begin the discussions about hospice with their providers.
What questions are good to ask when selecting a hospice provider?
The most important element is that the individual and their family feel comfortable with the hospice providers. Medicare has an excellent list of suggested questions free to download.
Is there someone at Redwood Hospice to talk with about hospice care?
Of course! We’d be honored to speak with you about the services we provide and answer additional questions you might have. Feel free to complete our Contact Form online or call us at 800.825.8556.