Hospice is care designed for patients with a life-limiting illness. Hospice is not where you go to die, rather hospice professionals are trained to assist patients in living their lives fully, completely, and without pain until the end of their lives.

Hospice patients and families receive care for an unlimited amount of time, depending upon the course of the illness. There is no fixed limit on the amount of time a patient may continue to receive hospice services.

Hospice places the patient and family at the center of the care planning process. If the patient decides to pursue further curative treatment, a patient has the right to revoke hospice services at any time. The patient may also continue to seek medical treatment for those things not related to the terminal diagnosis.

Medicare beneficiaries pay little or nothing for hospice. For those ineligible for Medicare, most insurance plans, HMO’s, and managed care plans cover hospice care. If the patient is uninsured, Klamath Hospice will work with the patient and family to ensure the patient receives the care they need.

Hospice care is provided wherever the patient may be: in their own home or a family member’s, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility. Hospice is also provided in in-patient units, VA Hospitals, and some correctional facilities.

Family members are encouraged, supported, and trained by hospice professionals to care for their loved ones. Hospice staff is on call to the patient and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help family and friends care for their loved ones.

Fifty percent of hospice patients are diagnosed with conditions other than cancer or AIDS.

Hospice is for anyone facing a life-limiting illness, regardless of age.

Less than one percent of Medicare beneficiaries live in an area where hospice is not available.

Bereavement services and grief support are available to family members for at least one year after the death of a patient.