Facing a terminal illness can feel overwhelming. However, patients and families do not have to navigate this time alone.
Cuidado Casero’s hospice care services focus on comfort, dignity and quality of life. Our interdisciplinary team works with patients, families and healthcare providers to create a personalized plan based on each person’s symptoms, goals, beliefs and preferences.
In addition, family members receive education, emotional support and guidance throughout the care journey.
We are here to help when you need us
Talk With Our Hospice Team
Choosing hospice is a personal decision, and questions are expected. Our team can explain eligibility, available services, insurance benefits and the admission process.
Call (866) 669-2273 or request a callback to speak with a local hospice representative.
Who May Qualify for Hospice Care?
Hospice care may be appropriate for a person living with a terminal illness who wants care focused on comfort rather than treatment intended to cure the terminal condition.
For Medicare hospice coverage, the hospice physician and the patient’s regular physician, when applicable, generally must certify that the person has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its usual course. The patient must also choose hospice care for the terminal illness and sign a hospice election statement.
A diagnosis alone does not determine eligibility. Contact our hospice team to discuss the patient’s needs and arrange an evaluation.
Conditions Hospice Care May Support
Hospice may support eligible patients living with advanced or terminal conditions such as:
Eligibility depends on the person’s prognosis, care goals and clinical evaluation—not the diagnosis alone.
Our Hospice Care Services
Our goal is to provide a sense of dignity and peace for our patients, while controlling pain, minimizing discomfort, and managing symptoms. We also prioritize emotional and spiritual needs, guiding our patients and their loved ones through the end-of-life process.
Eligibility depends on the person’s prognosis, care goals and clinical evaluation—not the diagnosis alone.
How to Begin Hospice Care
1. Contact Our Team
First, call us or request a callback. We will listen to your concerns and confirm whether hospice services are available in your area.
2. Arrange an Evaluation
Next, a hospice clinician will review the patient’s health, symptoms and care goals.
3. Confirm Eligibility
The appropriate physicians will review the patient’s condition and determine whether hospice eligibility requirements are met.
4. Create the Care Plan
Finally, the hospice team will work with the patient and family to create a personalized plan focused on comfort and quality of life.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice is comfort-focused care for people living with terminal illnesses. Instead of trying to cure the terminal condition, the care plan focuses on managing symptoms, reducing discomfort and supporting quality of life.
Hospice also supports the patient’s emotional, social and spiritual needs. In addition, family caregivers receive education, guidance and help understanding what to expect.
The hospice team may include physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual-care professionals, counselors, therapists and trained volunteers. Together, they develop and update a personalized plan of care.
Who Pays for Hospice Care?
Medicare has a Hospice benefit for patients with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. The Medicare Benefit is covered for longer than six months if the patient is re-certified as being terminally ill.
This benefit covers all the services, medications, and equipment related to the terminal illness. Most insurance plans and managed care plans cover hospice services.
Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and private insurance benefits vary. Before admission, our team can contact the insurance provider to verify available coverage and explain any known patient responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Care
Is Hospice Only for the Final Days of Life?
No. Medicare hospice eligibility is generally based on a prognosis of six months or less if the illness follows its usual course. Care may continue longer when the patient remains eligible and receives the required recertification.
Is Hospice Care the Same As Home Health Care?
No. Home Health Care generally focuses on skilled treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life during a terminal illness.
Can Hospice Care Continue Beyond Six Months?
Yes. Care may continue when the patient remains terminally ill and the hospice physician completes the required recertification.
Where Can Hospice Be Provided?
Hospice care is often provided wherever the patient lives, including a private residence, assisted-living community or nursing facility. Short-term inpatient or respite care may also be covered when arranged by the hospice team and eligibility requirements are met.
Is Someone from Hospice Present at All Times?
Hospice provides scheduled visits and access to on-call support. The exact visit schedule and level of care depend on the patient’s condition, care plan and available hospice services.
Hospice Resources
Cuidado Casero is proud to offer the following resources for your personal use completely free of charge.
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| Hospice_Care_Flyer.pdf | 66 KB |