Condell Hospice FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Hospice... What is it?
How does Condell Hospice work?
Who pays for hospice?
What is covered by Medicare for hospice?
When should a patient consider Hospice?
Should I wait for my physician to suggest hospice care?
Are there other steps I can take to prepare for hospice?
Where are Condell Hospice services provided?
What are the qualifications of the Condell Hospice staff?
If a hospice patient shows signs of recovery, what happens?
What services are offered to the family after a patient dies?

Hospice... What is it?

Hospice care provides physical and emotional support to individuals and their families who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. The goal of hospice is to enable patients to spend their last days with dignity, making their own decisions and maintaining quality of life.

How does Condell Hospice work?

Patients are referred to Condell Hospice by a physician. A Condell Hospice staff member then explains the program with the patient and family. The Condell Hospice team of professionals includes a medical director, registered nurses, a chaplain, a medical social worker (MSW), certified nurses' aides and trained volunteers. All of these members work to support not only the patient, but the entire family.

Who pays for hospice?

Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare and Medicaid, which also provides medication, supplies, and equipment associated with terminal illness. Most insurance companies now offer policies that include hospice benefits. Upon a referral from your physician, our intake department will verify your insurance and benefits.

What is covered by Medicare for hospice care?

When a patient is eligible for Medicare and receives hospice care from a Medicare-approved facility or agency, coverage generally includes physician services and nursing care, medication for pain relief, medical supplies and appliances, counseling, physical therapy, short-term in-patient and respite care and home health aide services.

When should a patient consider Hospice?

Either you or a loved one has a terminal illness or curative treatment is no longer effective or desired.

Either you or a loved one's life expectancy is approximately 6 months or less. This prognosis qualifies a patient for hospice care through Medicare.

Either you or a loved one wishes to return or remain at home to spend remaining days in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

Should I wait for my physician to suggest hospice care?

It is best to have an open dialogue with your physician. If you have a concern about your health or that of a loved one, don't wait for your physician to address the topic. Raise your concerns as soon as possible.

Are there other steps I can take to prepare for hospice?

If possible, it helps to research and know how hospice works before you or a loved one are forced to make any decisions on end-of-life care. The earlier hospice is involved the better for the patient and his or her loved ones. Also it is suggested to have the patient's final wishes in writing. That way, if a person should fall ill and need hospice care, final wishes are recorded and can be met. Click on Hospice Assistance Center for information on living wills, power of attorney, health care surrogates and legal questions and answers.

Where are Condell Hospice services provided?

Most patients receive care in their own home or the home of loved ones. Hospice care is also available to residents of most nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

What are the qualifications of the Condell Hospice staff?

The Condell Hospice team of professionals includes a medical director who is a physician trained in oncology, registered nurses, a chaplain, a medical social worker (MSW), certified nurses' aides and trained volunteers.

If a hospice patient shows signs of recovery, what happens?

If a person's illness goes into remission and improvement is apparent, he or she can be discharged from hospice. If the condition worsens after being discharged, Medicare and most private insurance policies will allow the resumption of coverage for hospice.

What services are offered to the family after a patient dies?

Condell Hospice continues to communicate with families throughout the year and offers an annual memorial service for family members who lost their loved ones in the calendar year. Also, Condell Hospice offers "Looking Up," a bereavement support group for people who have lost a loved one. "Looking Up" is available to the community regardless of Condell Hospice affiliation. Click on bereavement programs for more information.