What is Hospice?	Hospice Overview
Hospice is a concept of care with emphasis on care, not cure. It offers a comprehensive program of care to patients and families facing a life-limiting illness.	Sequim Office
	Port Townsend Office     Hospice Foundation

 

At the core of hospice is the belief that each person should be able to die pain-free with dignity. Hospice assures that the patient and family will receive the support necessary to achieve this goal.

Who qualifies for Hospice?

Hospice care is for any person who has a life-threatening or terminal illness and is no longer seeking aggressive, curative treatment. Most reimbursement sources require a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs it's normal course. Patients with cancer or non-cancer illnesses are eligible to receive hospice care.

How is a patient referred to Hospice?

Hospice referrals come from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to:

• Patient's Physicians

• Family and friends

• Clergy

• Social workers/discharge planners

Who pays for Hospice Care?

Medicare and Medicaid offer full hospice benefits as part of their health care coverage. Many private insurance plans also include a hospice benefit. Assured will verify coverage prior to admission to hospice.

What does Hospice cover?

Hospice provides all reasonable and necessary medical and support services for the management of a life limiting illness. In general, this includes:

• Nursing Care

• Counseling

• Pastoral/Spiritual care

• Bereavement support

• Hospice volunteers

• Home health aides

• Medications for symptom management and pain relief

• Medical equipment and supplies

• Short-term inpatient and respite care

• Therapies (if indicated)

• Hospice Social Worker / Counseling       

• Comfort Therapy and Alternative Medicine Therapies

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In the course of a terminal illness, there may come a time when a loved one can no longer benefit from curative treatment. Assured Hospice works closely  with the patient’s physician, offering comfort (palliative) rather than curative treatment. Hospice neither prolongs life nor hastens death.  Hospice can improve the quality of life so that life's final days are experienced with peace, comfort and dignity.

 Click here to learn more about Assured Hospice care in your home. 

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You may also click on the “Contact Information” link to request a free, no obligation brochure or to have an Assured Hospice representative contact you. Or, call us toll-free at 1-800-833-9404.

"Hospice recognizes dying as a part of the normal process of living and focuses on maintaining the quality of the remaining life."

(National Hospice Organization, 1993)