For people who qualify for the Medicare hospice benefit, Medicare generally covers hospice services related to the terminal illness. There may still be small costs in certain situations, such as some medications or inpatient respite care, and room and board in a facility is generally not covered by the hospice benefit. Our team can help you understand your specific coverage before care begins

No — you can contact Generations simply to ask questions or discuss what your family is experiencing. If hospice care may be appropriate, the hospice team will work with the appropriate physicians to complete the required eligibility and certification process.

Hospice is usually provided wherever a person calls home, including a private residence, assisted living community, or nursing facility. Certain inpatient hospice services may also be available when clinically appropriate.

Families often begin asking about hospice when a serious illness is progressing, hospital visits are becoming more frequent, strength or appetite is declining, symptoms are harder to manage, or comfort and quality of life are becoming the priority. You don’t need to be certain before calling.

No. Hospice shifts the focus toward comfort, symptom management, quality of life, and support for the patient and family. A person can also stop hospice care if their goals or circumstances change.

Yes. Hospice care can include social work, counseling, caregiver support, spiritual care, and grief and loss support for families, in addition to care for the patient. Medicare’s hospice benefit specifically includes services such as social work and grief/loss counseling when part of the plan of care.