When it comes to hospice care, there are a lot of misconceptions and questions surrounding it. While many people have a general understanding of hospice, some subtleties and aspects are important for you to grasp.  Don’t let what you don’t know about hospice care keep you or your loved one from receiving the comfort that is needed during this final transition of life’s journey. 

3HC Hospice has decades of experience caring for hospice patients across the state from the Triangle to the NC Coast. Offering symptom relief, bereavement services, and an experienced and compassionate staff, we strive to treat our patients like family, because in so many ways, they are our family.

We’ll examine what you don’t know about hospice care, as well as common frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hospice care.

What You Don’t Know About Hospice Care

We’ve condensed some of the most important elements you may not know about hospice care down to 7 main facts.

1. Hospice Focuses on Comfort and Quality of Life

Hospice care concentrates on managing symptoms and providing the best quality of life possible for patients. We recognize that alleviating as much pain as possible is vital to help ensure the patient can stay comfortable in their home—or wherever they call home. This means they will be in a familiar and comforting environment surrounded by those whom they love. 

2. Hospice Embraces a Holistic Approach

At 3HC, we recognize that alleviating physical symptoms is only part of the picture. We know that the patient and family have emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Therefore, we incorporate the assistance of a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, social workers, volunteers, and chaplains who work together to tailor care appropriately to assist the whole patient. 

3. The Family Plays a Critical Role in Hospice

We understand that the patient is not the only one facing challenges during this stage of life. Therefore, we provide guidance and education to help the entire family. We encourage loved ones to assist in decision-making. We also offer bereavement care. 3HC even offers Wings Camp, a  special program for children who have faced the loss of a loved one. This often falls under the category of what you don’t know about hospice care.

4. Medicaid and Medicare Coverage

Typically, hospice services are covered by both Medicaid and Medicare and most private insurance companies. 

We encourage you to speak with your Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance representative to get an accurate and up-to-date estimate on what hospice services are covered.  It’s vital to do this to discover what you don’t know about hospice care coverage. 

5. Respite Care

We understand that primary caregivers need a break and that helping someone who has a terminal illness is both physically and emotionally exhausting. Through respite care, hospice can provide temporary relief, providing caregivers the chance to have a break while still having the peace of mind that their loved one is being cared for by an experienced healthcare team. 

6. Spiritual and Emotional Support Are Important Elements of Hospice

As mentioned earlier, at 3HC, we recognize that caring for the patient physically is only part of the equation. We understand there is importance and value to spiritual and emotional well-being. Therefore, we enlist the services of counselors or chaplains. While hospice is not a religious organization, we do recognize that many of our patients draw strength from spiritual leaders.

7. Hospice Creates Individualized Care Plans

Because we treat you like family, 3HC crafts hospice care tailored to fit each individual’s needs and preferences. We work in collaboration with families, physicians, and the entire hospice team to be sure we are reflecting the patient’s values.  This helps ensure a meaningful experience, enabling hospice patients to face the end of life in comfort and dignity.

FAQs About Hospice Care

Now that we’ve reviewed what you don’t know about hospice care, we’ll tackle some of the most common FAQs about hospice care. 

What Is Hospice Care?

This is a specialized scope of care that provides symptom relief and management, as well as support, for those who have terminal illnesses.  Hospice’s goal is not to cure the patient but to provide comfort and a better quality of life by addressing emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. 

When Should You Consider Hospice Care for a Loved One?

To be eligible for hospice, a patient must have a life expectancy of six months or less. In addition, the patient must have agreed to no longer accept curative treatment.  

Where Does Hospice Take Care Take Place?

Hospice can take place in any place the patient calls home, whether that is a residence, a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, or as an inpatient in one of our 3HC hospice care centers.

Can Hospice Care Be Discontinued If the Patient’s Condition Improves?

Yes. It is simple and straightforward for the patient to return to curative treatments if they choose to do so. At 3HC, we design our hospice services to be flexible and adaptable to the patient’s changing needs and preferences. 

Can a Patient Receive Hospice Care and Continue to See Their Own Doctors?

Yes, the patient can see their primary care physician and others. 

What Is the Role of Family Members in Hospice Care?

Is Hospice Care Only for Cancer Patients?

No, hospice care is for any individual who is facing a serious, terminal illness. Hospice patients may be diagnosed with diseases such as:

• Advanced liver diseases
• AIDs
• Dementia
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease/renal failure
• Parkinson’s disease

3HC: Our Family Caring for Your Family During Life’s Final Transition

Since 1981, we’ve served citizens of North Carolina from the Triangle to the coast, providing the highest level of compassionate care for hospice patients. We want to help ensure that you spend this precious time with those you love, making precious memories that you will carry with you throughout your life. We do this by providing the symptoms management and dignity needed so hospice patients can receive care in the environment they call home. 

Don’t let what you don’t know about hospice care keep you or your loved one from the care you need. Get care today!