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Get the information you need about Hospice & Palliative Care

We understand the process can seem a bit complicated, that’s why we’ve put together resources to provide clarity and help you navigate the hospice process.

What to Expect from Hospice Care

It is important to prepare yourself emotionally and mentally for admitting a loved one into hospice care. However, prior to beginning care, the In Touch Hospice and Palliative Care staff will review with you eligibility and what documentation is needed to begin.

These documents will be required for conducting a hospice evaluation

Medical Coverage Cards, such as Medicare or Medi-Cal, Private Insurance Cards, etc.
A state-issued identification card, or a valid passport.
Medication and dosage documentation.
Any medical equipment currently used by the patient.
Existing home health agencies that are working with the patient.

Our staff will work with you as they review your needs for palliative and hospice care. Once these documents have been verified, the family members and the patient will work together with our team to develop a plan for treatment. This will be determined by what needs the family and the patient present, so each plan is tailored personally to you.

After the plan is agreed upon, In Touch Hospice will begin by contacting the patient’s physician for all additional medical history and paperwork. The staff will begin to prepare the patient’s home setting with the necessary equipment and devise a schedule for visits. Throughout this entire process, the patient and family will remain the priority.

Call In Touch Hospice Care at 626-807-1210

What is Palliative Care?

The objective of both services is to manage pain and provide relief for symptoms during end of life care, however, the goals and prognosis can be different. Hospice is comfort care that is no longer attempting to prolong death, while palliative care is comfort care that can be with or without prolongment care.

The two are very similar in approach, but differ in terms for payment, stages of disease, inclusion/exclusion of curative care, and where it is performed. Hospice is defined as compassionate comfort care for patients who have a terminal diagnosis and a physician’s estimate of six months left to live. Palliative care is defined as compassionate care intended to provide respite from symptoms of a life-limiting illness, while also relieving the physical and mental stress that accompanies it.

Palliative care does not require a definitive timeline from a physician to be utilized. Hospice care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance. This means that there is little to no out of pocket expenses for you or your loved one. Palliative care can be paid by your insurance or out of pocket. Also, palliative care can be utilized in any stage of illness while hospice services are for those with six months left to live. Palliative care typically happens while in the care of a medical facility, while hospice is wherever the patient decides for their end of life care. This can be at home, at a hospice facility, or in a hospital. Palliative care can be used at the same time as curative treatment, often to help aid in the management of physical, mental, and spiritual strife that accompanies the treatment. Hospice care excludes curative treatment and focuses solely on comfort.

Wherever you are in your journey with your loved one, Comfort Hospice and Palliative Care can help you find the plan that best works for you and your loved one.

Call In Touch Hospice Care at 626-807-1210

Here are 10 facts that are necessary in order to understand hospice care:

1. Hospice is for advanced staged illnesses

These illnesses include Cancer, Stroke, Kidney Disease, Heart Disease, ALS, AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s Disease.

2. Hospice is can be conducted at any location

Depending on where the patient is, hospice care can be provided at their location. Therefore, whether the patient is at home, assisted living community, or an inpatient setting, the patient can be cared under a hospice program.

3. Hospice is optional

After a patient is admitted for hospice care, they can opt out of receiving their hospice at any time, no questions asked. In addition, should the patient decide to reinstate hospice care, they can do so, as long as they still meet the requirements for hospice care.

4. Patients can continue their current treatment programs

This means continuing the same devices or medications used to treat the patients symptoms. If you are concerned with certain therapies or medications, please contact your physician for further evaluation before enrolling in a hospice care program.

5. Hospice provides the necessary medication for the patient's symptoms

Hospice physicians not only prescribe medications for their patients, they also provide the lowest dose required to treat their symptoms. This means that hospice physicians will find substitute medications that are less aggressive, when possible. Medications can also be covered by Medicare or private insurance.

6. Family caregivers are usually the main providers of hospice, but benefit from the added support from the hospice team.

Since the patient will be at home, the family will take responsibility as the primary caregivers, but aided with support from a hospice team as needed. As the team makes regular visits to check the patient, they also educate and instruct the family caregivers for treatment recommendations.

7. Patients under hospice care are not limited in time of their care

Although the typical timeframe for hospice is six months or less, hospice care may be extended for the patient. Statistically speaking, hospice has been proven to help patients live longer compared to other hospice eligible patients who do not receive hospice care.

8. All Medical Supplies and Medication are provided by the hospice

Equipment such as hospital beds, shower chairs, and other supplies, in addition to all medication are provided by the hospice. Most of the time, all of the supplies are delivered directly to the patient’s home and covered by Medicare or private insurance.

9. Hospice is not just for the patient

In Touch Hospice Care staff arranges counseling services for patient families who are in need of emotional and spiritual support. Our bereavement support can continue long after the death.

10. Out of Pocket Expenses are usually nonexistent

Hospice expenses are usually covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and majority of private insurance plans and covered 100% of all hospice expenses. This includes all visits, supplies, and medications related to the terminal diagnosis.

Get the information you need about Hospice & Palliative Care

What to Expect from Hospice Care

These documents will be required for conducting a hospice evaluation

What is Palliative Care?

Here are 10 facts that are necessary in order to understand hospice care:

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