The elder law attorneys here at Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates provide comprehensive guidance to individuals and families that are addressing the eventualities of aging. Many people do not like to confront the inevitable, and it can be disconcerting, but passing away is one of the certainties of life. It is wise to look forward with pragmatic eyes, gain an understanding of what you can expect, and make the appropriate preparations.
Hospice care is something that many elders will require toward the end of their lives. It would be difficult-to-impossible for family members to provide this type of assistance, so hospice care is extremely important. When time is limited, patients need medical, spiritual, and emotional support in the moment, without any long-term healing objectives. This is exactly what hospice provides.
This type of care focuses on caring rather than curing, and it will often be provided in the home of the patient. Many people would rather pass away in the comfort of familiar surroundings if it is at all possible, but people can also receive hospice care in nursing homes, hospitals, and independent hospice centers. A family member will still be intimately involved in all medical decision-making, but the hospice professionals will be available around-the-clock, seven days a week.
Speaking of individuals that will comprise a hospice team, there will be the patient’s personal physician, a hospice physician or medical director, and of course there will be nurses assigned. There can also be social workers, members of the clergy, other types of counselors, and hospice volunteers that have a great deal of experience and a knack for comforting patients.
When it comes to the financial end of things, hospice care is covered under the Medicare program, and it is also covered by Medicaid. Private insurance plans include hospice care as well, so patients and their families usually do not have to be concerned about the monetary impact.
We Are Here to Help!
If you would ever like to discuss hospice care or any other aspect of the aging process with a licensed elder law attorney, our firm can be reached by phone at 860-548-1000.
( By appointment only )