FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• What is hospice?
• Are all hospices the same?
• When should a decision about hospice and palliative care be made, and who should make it?
• Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to curative medical treatment? 
• What does the hospice admission process involve?
• How does the hospice program work?
• How does hospice "manage" pain?
• Is hospice care covered by insurance?
• If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be additional expenses that the patient pays?
• Does hospice provide assistance to the family after the patient dies?
• If I believe a loved one needs immediate hospice care what do I do?

What is hospice?
Hospice care is end-of-life care. At The Denver Hospice we provide medical, emotional and spiritual care to our patients living with advanced illness and their families.  We provide an unprecedented level of expert, comprehensive and personalized care.  Our programs promote comfort and manage pain, and offer counseling and support for family and friends.

Are all hospices the same?
No. Although all hospices specialize in care for those with advanced illness, the  quality of care and extent of services can vary widely.  Many hospices are part of large, for-profit health care systems, while others such as The Denver Hospice – established in 1978 – operate as not-for-profit organizations.  The staff at The Denver Hospice prides itself on being experts in end-of-life care in Colorado.  In addition to quality hospice and palliative medical care, The Denver Hospice offers art and music therapy, massage energy therapies, such energy therapies as acupuncture, reiki and shiatsu.  The Denver Hospice Grief Center offers  individual counseling and support groups for adults while the Footprints Children’s Grief Center offers support to children.   For more information about The Denver Hospice, call 303-321-2828. For more information about hospice care providers throughout the United States, visit the National Hospice Palliative Care Organization.

When should a decision about hospice and palliative care be made, and who should make it?  
At any stage of an advanced illness, it's appropriate to discuss options, including hospice and palliative care. The decision belongs to the patient, his or her personal physician and family.

Hospice care is most beneficial when referrals are made as early as possible affording adequate time for symptom and pain management and the development of trusting relationships between patient, family and The Denver Hospice team.
We encourage you to begin conversations with physicians and family members now regarding your end-of-life wishes, including advance healthcare planning and designation of a healthcare agent.

Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping all efforts to cure their disease. It is courageous to fight terminal illness, and it is equally courageous to know when to discontinue treatment that is no longer helpful. Our staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and always available to discuss these and other issues with patients and families.

Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to curative medical treatment?
Certainly. If the patient's condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients are discharged from hospice care. If a discharged patient should later need to receive hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance providers will allow coverage, providing all hospice benefit periods have not been exhausted.

What does the hospice admission process involve?
Hospice will contact the patient's physician to make sure that he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for the patient. In general the physician must give a life expectancy of six months or less.

After the physician makes the referral, the patient will be asked to sign consent and insurance forms, similar to the type that patients sign when entering a hospital. The hospice election form says that the patient understands the care is palliative -- aimed at pain relief and symptom control rather than curative.  The forms also explain how electing the Medicare hospice benefit interacts with other Medicare coverage for a terminal illness.

How does the hospice program work?
Hospice patients are cared for by teams that include doctors, registered nurses, social workers, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, therapists and volunteers. The Denver Hospice assists with medications, medical supplies, equipment, and hospital services as needed.

These services are provided in the home, skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility or inpatient center. An admissions nurse works with each patient and family tailoring settings and services to meet each patient's unique needs. Physical and occupational therapists aid patients in being as mobile and self-sufficient as possible. Specialists in music and aromatherapy, massage therapy, pet therapy, and nutrition counseling support the hospice team.

Counselors, including non-denominational chaplains, are available to assist patients, family members and friends with emotional and spiritual needs.

How does hospice "manage" pain?
Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. They are "palliative" experts in the healthcare field. Hospice believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain. It is the goal of hospice to allow the patient to be pain free, and at the same time, as alert as possible.

Is hospice care covered by insurance?
Yes. Hospice coverage is widely available. Medicare covers hospice care nationwide.  Medicaid covers hospice care in most states.  Most private health insurance policies also cover hospice care although room and board for inpatient care is not usually covered by insurance.  Families should check with their employer or health insurance provider or call The Denver Hospice for clarification of their coverage, 303-321-2828.

If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be additional expenses that the patient pays?
Medicare covers all services and supplies for the hospice patient when related to terminal illness.   As a non-profit serving the community, The Denver Hospice provides care for those who cannot pay using funds raised in the community, from generous donors, grants and memorial gifts.

Does hospice provide assistance to the family after the patient dies?
The Denver Hospice provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Hospice provides grief and loss support groups and educational programs to the community as well.

The Denver Hospice Grief Center offers individual counseling, support groups and classes for adults while the Footprints Children's Grief Center offers counseling for children and teenagers.

If I believe a loved one needs immediate hospice care what do I do?

Call The Denver Hospice at 303-321-2828.  An admissions coordinator will assist you through the admissions process.  The coordinator will take your information, contact your doctor and discuss details on how to proceed with hospice care.

Our answering service will take your information after hours and give it to our admissions coordinator. The admissions coordinator will then contact your doctor or family.

If it is a medical emergency, please seek medical treatment at the nearest emergency facility or hospital, or call 911.

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