Question 1

What is hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Specialized medical care for people with a life expectancy of six months or less, focused on comfort rather than cure. A team — nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers — manages symptoms and supports the family, usually at home.

Question 2

Is hospice a place?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Hospice is a service that comes to wherever the patient lives: a private home, assisted living, an adult foster home, or a nursing facility. Short inpatient stays exist for symptoms that can't be settled at home.

Question 3

Does hospice mean giving up?

Accepted Answer

No. It means changing the goal from cure to comfort when cure is no longer possible — and putting every resource into quality of life. Patients can leave hospice at any time, and some improve enough to graduate.

Question 4

What's the difference between hospice and palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care relieves symptoms at any stage of illness, alongside curative treatment. Hospice is comfort-focused care for the final months, after curative treatment stops. All hospice is palliative; not all palliative care is hospice.

Question 5

How much does hospice cost?

Accepted Answer

For most families, nothing out of pocket. Medicare covers hospice at 100% — visits, related medications, equipment, supplies. The Oregon Health Plan and most private insurance offer similar benefits.

Question 6

Does Medicare cover hospice at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Routine home care is the core of the Medicare Hospice Benefit, wherever home is. See our Medicare Hospice Benefits guide for the full picture.

Question 7

What does the hospice benefit NOT cover?

Accepted Answer

Treatment intended to cure the terminal illness, and room and board when living in a facility. Almost everything related to comfort is covered.

Question 8

Who qualifies for hospice?

Accepted Answer

Anyone whose physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. Common diagnoses: cancer, heart failure, COPD, dementia, kidney failure, and general decline.

Question 9

When should we call?

Accepted Answer

Earlier than you think. Families consistently say they wish they'd started sooner — hospice works best over months, not days. If you're wondering whether it's time, that's usually reason enough to ask.

Question 10

What if the patient lives longer than six months?

Accepted Answer

Care continues as long as eligibility continues — the physician recertifies at each benefit period. There is no lifetime limit, and no penalty for outliving a prognosis.

Question 11

Can we choose hospice and change our minds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Patients can revoke hospice at any time, for any reason — including to pursue treatment again — and can re-enroll later if eligible.

Question 12

How often does the hospice team visit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the care plan — typically nurse visits one to three times a week and aide visits several times a week, increasing as needs increase. Between visits, a team member is on call 24/7 and makes urgent visits when needed.

Question 13

Does someone from hospice stay around the clock?

Accepted Answer

Not routinely — hospice supplements family or facility caregiving rather than replacing it. During a symptom crisis, continuous care can temporarily place a nurse at the bedside around the clock. Our social workers help families plan reliable day-to-day coverage.

Question 14

Can the patient keep their own doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your physician can remain the attending and direct care together with our hospice medical director.

Question 15

Does hospice provide equipment like hospital beds?

Accepted Answer

Yes — beds, oxygen, wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, and supplies are delivered to the home and covered by the benefit.

Hospice questions, answered honestly

The basics

Cost and coverage

Eligibility and timing

Daily care

Talk to a hospice team member today