Hospice FAQ

Hospice care is a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice care focuses on the quality of an individual’s life and their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Does insurance cover hospice?

Yes- Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare, and most private insurers cover hospice care.

What benefits am I entitled to when utilizing hospice care?

The Medicare hospice benefit includes a lot of covered care, which can include: the hospice team, respite care, medical equipment, medical supplies, medications, and bereavement support. To learn more details about each of these, click here.

Where is hospice care provided?

Hospice care can be provided wherever you call home. This can be a nursing home, an assisted living facility, personal care home, or your own home. If you need a hospital,continuous care approach, hospice can also be provided in the hospital.

Is hospice just for the last few days or weeks of life?

No, individuals are eligible for hospice care if a physician believes they have 6 months or less to live. Though this is a requirement for eligibility, this is an estimation, and some individuals may live much longer. Unfortunately, many people wait to go on hospice until they clearly have only days or weeks to live missing out on several months of care, comfort, and quality time.

If I agree to hospice, does that mean I’m giving up?

Absolutely not. Hospice care is designed to improve your quality of life physically, mentally, and emotionally. If anything, it’s the opposite- hospice care allows you to do more with the time you have.

What else makes Tranquility Hospice Care stand out?

We’ve mentioned that we are extremely timely; rarely switch out staff that care for you; have a live person answering the phone; and have leadership that is reachable, so we can provide unique requests. These are all strengths of a locally owned company compared to large business conglomerates. Our owners have also had past careers in healthcare leadership and started due to personal experience with a family member on hospice care. This shapes the values and mission of Tranquility Hospice Care and trickles down to who we bring on our team. Another big difference is we have a pharmacist on staff! Their expertise and utility is obvious. We could go on and on, but we’d be tooting our horn too much! Contact us to learn more.

What care does hospice provide?

What is unique to hospice is that care does not just = physician, nursing, & other clinical care, but instead “care” also encompasses the entirety of the person. Some doctors and healthcare focus on the disease to the point the person is forgotten. Our focus brings the whole individual back into the picture which provides an opportunity to improve the quality in each person’s mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs in addition to their physical/clinical needs. What is also unique to hospice is that this care is not only provided to the individual on hospice, but also to the caregivers, friends, and family that help support this individual. If we are going to pass, why not live our fullest until that time comes? That is hospice’s duty, to help guide that goal into reality.

Is physical therapy included in hospice?

Physical therapy is a common hurdle when deciding if you should transition into hospice care. Having therapy gives a very tangible feeling of doing something positive and working towards a goal. We get that. If you are hospice qualified, there is not a shift in this mentality. Hospice works towards the goal of living a quality life. Tranquility Hospice Care is unique in that we know this transition can be hard, and we can partner with your therapist to develop a transition plan that suits you best.

Does hospice hasten death?

This is a common myth about hospice. Data actually shows the opposite! Hospice care does not aim to quicken death nor does it aim to prolong life through treating incurable diseases. That being said, studies have shown those on hospice care live longer than those not on hospice care. Read more myths.

How do I begin? My doctor recommended hospice, what now?

You will choose a hospice agency you believe will provide the best care for yourself or a loved one. A hospice team member will then be in contact with you, determine if you qualify for hospice care, and go over the next steps.

My doctor, facility director, or home health nurse recommended a hospice agency. Do I have a choice?

Physicians, facility directors, and nurses most likely will give you a recommendation on a hospice agency. This is based on positive experience they have had or some other tie to this agency. It is very important, however, that people know they have a choice in which agency to go with. Again, this is not a time to settle. We suggest you research agencies in your area and ask them questions so that you may get a feel for their values and level care.

What does a hospice doctor do differently than my other doctors?

Your other doctors focus on general health and treatment of specific diseases or conditions you have. Hospice physicians focus on preventing and alleviating suffering, improving your quality of life, and helping you and your loved ones cope with the stress and burden of your illness. If you have a general care physician, the hospice team will work and communicate with him/her on your care plan.

What does ACHC Accredited mean?

Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) is a third-party accreditation organization that has developed the highest national standards hospices are measured against in order to illustrate their ability to effectively and efficiently deliver quality healthcare. By choosing a healthcare provider that has achieved ACHC accreditation, you will know that you will receive the highest quality of care. Tranquility Hospice Care is ACHC accredited!

I would like Tranquility Hospice Care, where do I begin?

We appreciate you choosing Tranquility Hospice Care. You can contact us at 512.688.5607, email us at [email protected], or click here to contact us; and we will happily discuss with you the next steps. If you are still unsure about hospice, we are also happy to answer any questions you have.