What Is Hospice Care - Definition, Services, and How to Choose

1. What services are included in hospice care?
2. How do you choose hospice care?
3. When do you choose hospice care?
4. What are the 4 levels of hospice care?

What services are included in hospice care?

FAQ: What services are typically covered by hospice benefits?

• Doctor services.
• Nursing Care.
• Medical equipment (such as hospital beds, wheelchairs or walkers)
• Medical supplies (such as bandages and catheters)
• Drugs to control pain and other symptoms.
• Home health aide and homemaker services.
• Physical and occupational therapy.
• Speech therapy (to help with problems such as swallowing)

How do you choose hospice care?

How to Choose a Hospice Provider

1. Evaluate the provider's history and reputation. ...
2. Check the provider's certification, licensing and payment policies. ...
3. Obtain details about the depth and breadth of care you and your family will receive. ...
4. Ensure that the program provides all four levels of mandatory hospice care.

When do you choose hospice care?

Doctors and hospice experts agree that terminally ill patients should be in hospice care for at least three months before death. This allows the patients and their families to get to know and trust the hospice team and take advantage of the services it provides.

What are the 4 levels of hospice care?

Every Medicare-certified hospice provider must provide these four levels of care.

• Level 1: Routine Home Care.
• Level 2: Continuous Home Care.
• Level 3: General Inpatient Care.
• Level 4: Respite Care.
• Determining Level of Care.