What is Hospice?

---

Hospice care provides a number of benefits for patients and their families, including pain management, emotional support, spiritual care, and volunteer support.   Hospice care can also help patients and their families prepare for the end-of-life process and provide a sense of closure and peace.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and has a life expectancy of six months or less, hospice care may be a good option. Hospice care can provide comfort, support, and pain management during the end-of-life process. It is important to talk to your doctor and hospice team to determine if hospice care is the right choice for you or your loved one.

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies not only pay for hospice services, but also medications and equipment needed that are related to their disease. Individuals who do not have insurance, or are under-insured, may pay privately on a sliding fee scale. No one is denied care at CareFirstNY due to an inability to pay. Hospice is covered in the home, hospital, and skilled nursing facility.

Anyone!   We can take referrals directly from a patient, from their friends, family, local community organizations, or directly from healthcare providers.   In order to admit a patient to Hospice we will follow-up with the patient and/or their family as well as their physician to determine whether they meet criteria for services and coordinate an admission if they wish to access care.

The most misunderstood medication used in Hospice is Morphine. When used appropriately this is one of the safest and most effective ways to manage pain and shortness of breath. We begin the first dose of morphine at 1/4 of what is traditionally given in a hospital setting and only increase that dosage when it is needed to help you manage your pain. This relief from suffering can lead to improved strength, movement, moods, and social interaction. Multiple studies have shown that used appropriately morphine kills symptoms, not people.  

Source:   

Gallagher R. Killing the symptom without killing the patient. Can Fam Physician. 2010 Jun;56(6):544-6, e210-12. PMID: 20547520; PMCID: PMC2902941.