HOSPICE CARE

Hospice is a concept of caring for terminally ill people of all ages when the patient’s disease can no longer be reversed or cured. Patients must have a life expectancy measured in months or weeks. The patient and his family are considered the unit of care. The patient receives medical care and relief from pain. Both patient and family receive psychological, social, and spiritual treatment and support before the patient’s death, and family members continue to receive help after the death of a loved one. Doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy, pharmacists, dieticians, and trained volunteers usually comprise the treatment team.

Places for providing hospice care are varied. A hospice building may be available, but usually it is a special service provided in a general hospital setting or in the patient’s home. While a physician usually makes the referral for hospice care, it can also be requested by the family, friends, clergy, health professionals, or the patient.

Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) can help pay for hospice care under the following conditions:

1. Doctor certifies that the patient is terminally ill;
2. Patient chooses to receive care from hospice;
3. Care is provided by a Medicare-certified hospice program.

The following Medicare-certified hospice programs serve residents of Nassau County.

HOSPICE INFORMATION

This advocacy organization provides information and educational materials about hospice, palliative care and bereavement services.