Hospice and Palliative Care: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is hospice care?
Hospice care is specialized support for individuals with a life-limiting illness, focusing on comfort rather than curative treatment. It includes physical, emotional, and spiritual care.
When should someone consider hospice care?
Hospice is typically recommended when a physician determines a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its usual course.
What illnesses qualify for hospice care?
Common diagnoses include cancer, heart disease, COPD, dementia/Alzheimer’s, ALS, kidney failure, and other terminal conditions.
Does choosing hospice mean giving up hope?
No. Hospice focuses on quality of life, not the end of life. It allows patients to live as fully and comfortably as possible in their remaining time.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home—private residences, assisted living communities, nursing homes, or inpatient facilities.
How is hospice care different from palliative care?
Hospice is for patients who are no longer receiving curative treatment and have a terminal prognosis. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness, alongside active treatment.
How long can someone stay in hospice care?
There is no time limit as long as the patient continues to meet eligibility criteria. Patients are reevaluated regularly.

What is palliative care?
Palliative care is supportive care for people with serious illnesses, focused on relieving symptoms, stress, and side effects—offered alongside curative treatments.
Who can benefit from palliative care?
Anyone with a chronic or serious illness—such as cancer, heart failure, Parkinson’s, or kidney disease—can benefit from palliative care at any age or stage of illness.
Can palliative care help with emotional and spiritual needs?
Yes. Palliative care supports the whole person, addressing mental health, emotional well-being, and spiritual concerns.
Is palliative care only for end-of-life situations?
No. It is appropriate at any time during a serious illness, including from the time of diagnosis.

Is hospice care covered by insurance?
Yes. Hospice is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, including medications, equipment, and related services.
Is palliative care covered by insurance?
Palliative care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, but coverage may vary depending on services provided.
Will my loved one lose their doctor if they enter hospice?
No. Hospice teams work in coordination with your existing doctor, who may remain involved in care.

What support does hospice provide to families?
Hospice offers caregiver education, respite care, grief support, and access to social workers, chaplains, and volunteers.
What is respite care and how does it help families?
Respite care provides temporary 24/7 care for the patient, allowing family caregivers time to rest, travel, or manage personal needs.
Does hospice offer bereavement support?
Yes. Families typically receive grief counseling and bereavement support for up to 13 months after the patient’s death.

How quickly can hospice care begin?
Hospice admission can often happen within 24 hours—or even the same day—after a referral is made.
Who is part of the hospice care team?
The team includes nurses, aides, social workers, physicians, chaplains, counselors, and trained volunteers.
Can a patient return to curative treatment after enrolling in hospice?
Yes. Hospice is a voluntary service and can be discontinued at any time if a patient chooses to resume treatment.