Hospice Care

Hospice care is designed to comfort and support patients and their families when the patient can no longer benefit from cure-oriented medical treatment. The typical hospice patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. While hospice often is understood to be a "place to go when you are dying," it more typically allows a dying patient to receive care at home surrounded by family and friends.

Hospice services are provided by a team of trained professionals - physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, social workers, aides and volunteers -- who provide medical care and support services not only to the patient, but to the patient's family and loved ones. The care addresses the emotional, social and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and the patient's family.

As the primary health insurer for people age 65 and older, the Medicare program in the Social Security Administration offers certain hospice benefits for end-of-life care. Check with the federal Social Security Administration and your health insurance plan.

RESOURCES

Note: This listing is intended as a starting point and provided for informational purposes only. There are many other resources available that you may wish to research. Listing here is not an endorsement of the organization or its web page content. If you have questions, please consult with your physician, lawyer, accountant or other appropriate person.

• California Hospice & Palliative Care Association
• Hospice Foundation of America
• Medicare - Social Security Administration
• Medicare Hospice Benefits Publication, pdf
• Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Facility Care Booklet, pdf
• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
• San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care