FAQs

Hospice is a model of care that provides compassionate support for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. It offers specialized medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient's needs and wishes. Hospice also extends support to the patient's family. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization outlines four levels of hospice care: routine care, continuous home care, general inpatient care, and respite care. These levels are designed to meet the varying needs of patients and their families throughout the course of care.

Hospice services are provided by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. Typically, a family member acts as the primary caregiver, assisting with decision-making for the terminally ill individual when appropriate. The hospice team, which makes regular visits to assess and care for the patient, develops a personalized plan for pain management and symptom control. This team usually includes the patient's personal physician, a hospice physician or medical director, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, bereavement counselors, spiritual advisors, trained volunteers, and therapists as needed.

Hospice services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The frequency of visits is determined by the needs of the patient and family, as outlined in the care plan. Most visits occur during regular business hours, but arrangements can be made for other times as necessary. The hospice team adjusts the frequency of visits based on the changing needs of the patient. Volunteer services are provided based on patient and family requests and availability.

Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including private homes, nursing facilities, and long-term care facilities. The location is determined by where the patient resides. Bereavement counseling is often conducted at the hospice office to ensure uninterrupted, focused time with the counselor. However, these services can be arranged at alternative locations if needed.

Hospice services are fully covered by Medicare and Medi-Cal. Additionally, most private insurance plans include hospice care coverage. Our team can assist you in understanding your coverage options and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Hospice care is a voluntary choice. Patients have the right to discontinue hospice services at any time. Additionally, if a patient's condition improves significantly or the disease appears to be in remission, they may be discharged from hospice care. Our team respects the patient's right to make decisions about their care throughout the process.

The Hospice of San Diego offers comprehensive hospice and palliative care services. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and support to their families.

It is beneficial to consider hospice care early in the course of a life-limiting illness. Hospice care can be most effective when provided for months rather than weeks or days. This allows patients and families to fully benefit from the range of services available. We encourage individuals to inquire about hospice services at any time to understand their options and potential benefits.

The Hospice of San Diego adheres to the hospice philosophy that neither hastens nor postpones death, viewing it as a natural process. While we do not participate in the End of Life Option Act, we provide information and resources to patients who inquire about medical aid in dying. If a patient decides to pursue this option and wishes to remain under our care, we offer to transfer them to a hospice that supports the Act. Until such a transfer occurs, or if the patient chooses to stay with us, we continue to provide our standard hospice services, regardless of the patient's interest in pursuing their legal right to medical aid in dying.