How is Hospice Care paid for?

Medicare and Medicaid recipients are covered for full hospice benefits, at no cost to the patient or family. Almost all insurance companies offer some form of hospice coverage. A sliding fee scale is available for those with no coverage. Abbey Hospice's services are available to everyone, regardless of one's ability to pay.

Do I get to keep my attending physician?

Yes. We encourage your attending physician to continue to oversee your care. However, if your physician is not able to continue your care for any reason, or if you do not have a physician, our medical director is available for all of our patients.

When is hospice appropriate?

Generally speaking, hospice care should be provided for the final six months of one's life. We step in when curative measures are no longer effective or appropriate, and the patient and family desire additional care in a home or home-like setting.

How do you enroll in hospice?

Although any individual can refer a patient for hospice care, admission must be consented to by a patient and/or their family. All admissions must have the approval of the patient's attending physician. Once the physician approves the referral, we will come meet with you to guide you through the simple process.

What are my family's responsibilities?

Your family must agree to hospice services, be willing to care for the patient, and be available for nursing instruction. We will enable them to care for you between our frequent visits.

What kind of medical care will I receive?

Hospice care is "palliative," meaning "comfort care." We are not there to heal you, but to relieve your pain and ease symptoms of your illness so that you can live life to the fullest extent possible.

Does hospice hasten death?

No. Some of our patients even live longer than expected because of the personal care given through hospice.