Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice

Hospice is a specialized model of care designed for individuals who are terminally ill. Rather than focusing on curing the disease, hospice care aims to manage pain, alleviate discomfort, and address emotional and spiritual needs during the final stages of life. Our goal is to support the patient and their family in finding comfort, peace, and dignity, allowing them to focus on meaningful connections and personal reflections.

Most hospice services are covered by Medicare under Part A if the individual meets the eligibility criteria, which includes a life expectancy of six months or less. For those under 65, private insurance, HMOs, or Medi-Cal may also cover hospice benefits. If you have concerns about payments or policy coverage, our admissions team is here to guide you and clarify any financial questions you may have.

Transitioning to hospice care often indicates that the patient and family have decided to shift from curative treatments to comfort-focused measures. A physician typically certifies that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less. At this point, the focus moves away from aggressive interventions and toward enhancing quality of life. Hospice care provides an interdisciplinary team of professionals specialized in symptom management, emotional support, and end-of-life planning.

The first step is a hospice evaluation, which is offered at no cost. This can be initiated by a physician, family member, or even the patient themselves. During the evaluation, an admissions nurse or hospice representative will review medical records, speak with the patient and family about their goals, and confirm eligibility based on clinical criteria. Once the family decides to proceed, they sign admission paperwork, and our hospice team begins its visits.

Hospice care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team of experts, each playing a distinct role:
Physician (Attending and Hospice Medical Director): Oversees medical decisions, prescribes medications, and evaluates care plans.
Registered Nurse: Manages symptoms, administers medications, and provides education to patients and families.
Hospice Aide: Offers assistance with personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Social Worker: Provides emotional support, helps with legal and financial matters, and coordinates community resources.
Chaplain/Spiritual Counselor: Addresses spiritual and emotional needs, respecting each patient’s faith or belief system.
Bereavement Coordinator: Supports families through grief counseling and memorial services, continuing care after a patient’s passing.
Volunteers: Provide companionship, assist with errands, offer respite for caregivers, or engage in meaningful activities with the patient.

Our team is designed to work cohesively, ensuring the patient’s overall comfort and well-being. We keep communication transparent, update care plans as needed, and remain flexible to adapt to the patient’s changing condition.

Absolutely. Patients are encouraged to maintain their relationships with their primary or attending physician, who will work in tandem with our Hospice Medical Director. This collaborative approach ensures the patient’s prior medical history is considered when designing the hospice care plan. The patient benefits from two sources of clinical expertise: their long-trusted physician and our specialized hospice care team.

If a patient’s condition stabilizes or improves, they can continue receiving hospice care as long as they remain eligible under Medicare or other insurance guidelines. Periodic re-evaluations confirm ongoing eligibility. If a patient’s prognosis changes significantly and they no longer meet hospice criteria, they may be discharged from hospice care but can be re-admitted later if their condition declines.

Yes, hospice care is entirely voluntary. A patient or their representative can decide to revoke hospice services at any time if they wish to pursue curative treatments again. If circumstances change and hospice is once again needed, the patient can be readmitted to hospice care as long as eligibility criteria are met.

Our focus is on providing in-home care because familiar surroundings often offer the most comfort. However, we also serve patients in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, board-and-care homes, and sometimes even hospitals. Regardless of the setting, our goal remains the same: to deliver patient-centered care that prioritizes quality of life and respects the patient’s personal environment and preferences.

Hospice care extends beyond the patient, recognizing that family members and caregivers are integral to the care process. We offer counseling, education, and hands-on training to help families feel confident in their caregiving roles. We also encourage emotional well-being by connecting families with support groups, spiritual counselors, and community resources. Additionally, respite care options allow primary caregivers to take short breaks while ensuring the patient remains safe and supported.

We provide 24-hour on-call services. A hospice-trained nurse is always available by phone to answer questions, address changes in symptoms, or dispatch a nurse for an in-person visit if necessary. This around-the-clock availability ensures that families never feel alone in managing urgent or unexpected situations.

We invite you to call us at any time to learn more about our hospice services, address specific concerns, or schedule a no-cost evaluation. Our team is dedicated to guiding patients and families through every step of this journey with compassion, clarity, and sensitivity. If you have additional questions beyond those listed here, please reach out and let us help. At Grace and Glory Hospice, we believe that knowledge can alleviate anxiety and uncertainty. By understanding your options and the full scope of hospice care, you can make empowered decisions that honor your loved one’s wishes and values. Let us be a source of comfort, information, and unwavering support during this critical period in life. We serve Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Alameda, Sacramento, Hayward, San Mateo, Castro Valley, Brentwood, Oakland, Walnut Creek, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today if you have questions or would like to begin the hospice admission process. We are here to help you navigate this path with compassion and respect.