If you have a loved one in assisted living who recently received a terminal diagnosis, you may be wondering what happens next, if they’ll need to move, and who will provide care, among other things. The good news is that hospice care in assisted living is available, and can provide comfort, symptom management and emotional support while allowing your loved one to remain in a comfortable, familiar setting.

Understanding how hospice care works in this situation can help you make informed decisions during a difficult time. That’s what we’ll cover in this article – under which circumstances it can be provided, when it should begin, how it’s paid for and the benefits it offers. 

If you’re exploring hospice care for a loved one in assisted living, we encourage you to reach out to us. At 3HC, our expert hospice team provides specialized medical, emotional and spiritual support wherever your loved one calls home. We invite you to contact us to learn more and get care.  

Can You Receive Hospice Care in Assisted Living Facilities?

Hospice care – specialized care focused on comfort, symptom management, dignity and quality of life for those with a life-limiting illness – can typically be provided wherever a person lives, including assisted living facilities.

In most cases, your loved one does not need to move; we can deliver hospice services directly within the place they call home so they can remain in familiar, comfortable surroundings. 

Assisted living staff will continue offering routine daily assistance with meals, personal care, medication reminders and daily activities, while the hospice team will provide specialized end-of-life care and support.

In addition to assisted living communities, hospice care can also be provided in:

• Private homes 
• Nursing homes
• Hospice facilities
• Hospitals
• Other healthcare settings 

How is Hospice Care in Assisted Living Paid For?

Hospice care services are typically covered through the Medicare Hospice Benefit when your loved one’s physician certifies they have a terminal illness and they meet other eligibility requirements.

While Medicare covers clinical, medical, emotional support and other end-of-life services needed to manage your loved one’s terminal illness, assisted living services, such as housing and meals, are usually separate and paid for by residents and their families. 

Medicare coverage may include:

• Hospice nurse visits
• Hospice physician services 
• Medications related to symptom management
• Medical equipment
• Counseling and support services 

In addition to Medicare, other coverage options may include:

• Medicaid 
• Veteran’s Affairs (VA) benefits
• Private insurance plans

We encourage you to review benefits with your hospice team at 3HC and the insurance company to verify details of your plan’s coverage. 

When Should Someone in Assisted Living Start Hospice Care?

We understand you may feel unsure about when to begin hospice care for your loved one. We invite you to reach out to us if you have questions, but hospice is generally considered appropriate when your loved one’s physician believes they have a life expectancy of six months or less if their illness follows its expected course.

However, eligibility depends on their specific condition and should be discussed with their healthcare team. 

Common signs it may be time to consider hospice include:

• Frequent hospital visits
• Increasing pain or symptoms
• Significant decline in health
• Diminished ability to perform daily activities
• Growing need for assistance and support 

We encourage you to seek care sooner rather than later if possible. Earlier hospice enrollment allows patients and families to receive better symptom management, emotional and spiritual support and care planning. It also gives your family and your loved one more time to build relationships with the hospice team. 

How long it takes to admit your loved one to hospice can vary depending on their needs and circumstances. The admission process may take from a few hours to a few days.  

The process will usually begin with you contacting us, having a physician evaluate and certify your loved one as terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less, and signing required paperwork. We’ll then coordinate with the assisted living facility to set up hospice care.

What Are the Benefits of Receiving Hospice Care in Assisted Living?

One of the biggest benefits of receiving hospice care in assisted living is that your loved one will be able to remain in a comfortable environment they are already familiar with and consider home.

They’ll be surrounded by caregivers, friends and routines that bring comfort and stability, which helps reduce potential stress and anxiety.

Other benefits include:

• Hospice specialists who provide enhanced comfort and symptom relief associated with serious illnesses, including pain, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue and anxiety
• Support and education for families about disease progression, what to expect and end-of-life care decisions
• Coordinated team-based care in which the hospice team works closely with assisted living staff, physicians and family members to meet your loved one’s goals and needs
• Spiritual and emotional support provided by chaplains, counselors and social workers
• Bereavement services and grief counseling to support family members after their loved one’s death

Exploring Hospice Care for a Loved One in Assisted Living? 3HC Provides Expert, Compassionate Care in the Place They Call Home

We understand how overwhelming it can feel when you have a loved one in assisted living who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. You may be wondering if they’ll need to move or concerned about how they’ll receive the appropriate care.

Rest assured, in most cases they can remain in the comfortable, familiar environment they call home, while receiving specialized hospice care focused on comfort, dignity and quality of life. 

Our team of experts will help you explore the available options and create a care plan that prioritizes your loved one’s well-being. We encourage you to contact us to learn more and get care.