FAQs from Patients and Family Members

• When is hospice care right for my loved one?
• Does hospice mean we're giving up?  Should we try aggressive medical treatment?
• Who pays for hospice care?
• Will I always have a doctor?
• Will my wishes for my care be respected?
• There's more to dying than just pain control.  How does Covenant Hospice help? 

·         When is hospice care right for my loved one?

When we get sick we all want to get well, but there comes a time in every life when age, disease, and medical conditions can’t be cured. When that time comes and the most important things for the remaining days of life are quality and comfort, hospice would be the best choice. 

        No, hospice doesn’t mean giving up. Hospice matches the right care with the patient’s condition. Patients and families want the best for their loved one. Aggressive medical treatment should be tried until it doesn’t work. Then it would be time for hospice care.

·         Who pays for hospice care?

If you have Social Security, Medicare pays for it. Many insurance plans pay for hospice care and in some states, Medicaid will pay for hospice care. Some patients and families may choose to pay for it themselves. 

        Yes, your private doctor can continue to take care of you, working with hospice. Covenant Hospice has specialty physicians who can work with your doctor and provide your care. If you don’t have a doctor, Covenant doctors will be there for you.

·         Will my wishes for my care be respected?

Yes, in fact, Covenant Hospice wants to know all of your wishes for these special days of your life. We will do whatever we can to make your wishes come true. Patients often wish to be pain-free, stay at home, and be surrounded by family. Covenant Hospice specializes in these kinds of wishes.

·         There’s more to dying than just pain control.  How does Covenant Hospice help?

Controlling pain and other symptoms like nausea, fear, and shortness of breath are very important. But, patients and families often have other important needs as well. Needs like, bringing families together at this very sensitive time, spiritual support if requested, grief and sadness counseling, and answering difficult questions.