Hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on providing comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice care aims to help people live as fully and comfortably as possible for as long as possible. Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including the patient's home, a nursing home, or a hospice facility.

Hospice care teams typically include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers. These specialists work together to provide our patients medical, emotional, and spiritual support. The Medicare hospice benefit covers patients 65 and older, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care for younger patients.

When it comes to end-of-life care, there are a lot of terms and concepts that can be confusing for people who are dealing with a terminal illness. Hospice and palliative care are two of the most commonly used terms, but they are often used interchangeably. However, there is a significant difference between the two. Hospice care is typically provided to patients with a prognosis of six months or less to live. The focus of hospice is on providing comfort and support rather than cure.

Palliative care, on the other hand, can be provided at any stage in an illness and can be used alongside curative treatment. Both hospice and palliative care focus on improving quality of life, but they approach it differently.

The cost of hospice care will vary depending on the provided services. In most cases, hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance plans.

Some of the services that may be covered by insurance include:

· Nursing care

· Doctor visits

· Medical equipment and supplies

· Prescription drugs

· Therapy services

If you’re over 65, in most cases, the Medicare hospice benefit covers you. And if you’re under 65, your private insurance provider covers your hospice care.

Deciding to enter hospice care can be a difficult decision. However, it's important to remember that hospice is neither a treatment nor a place. Many view hospice care negatively, but in reality, it is a philosophy of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. We’ve seen many families struggle with this decision and want to try additional hospital treatments or services, which often puts unneeded stress on patients who would be better served being treated in the comfort of their own home.

If you're unsure whether hospice is the right choice for your loved one, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your situation. We will answer all of your questions and help you make the best decision for your family member.

If your loved one passes at home, you may find yourself grief-stricken, wondering how you can move forward. It's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Grief is a natural and normal response to loss.

There are many ways to find closure after the death of a loved one. Some people find comfort in attending a support group or meeting with a grief counselor. Others find peace through religious or spiritual practices. And some people choose to remember their loved ones by doing something special in their honor.

At Topkare, we offer several services to help you through the grieving process. We have a team of social workers who can provide one-on-one support. And we offer 13 months of bereavement support groups and counseling for grieving families as a part of hospice care.

What’s important is to remember that you're not alone in this process. We'll help you through the emotions and questions you may have.