Intro
Have you ever worn a pair of slippers that felt perfect—not because they fixed anything, but because they were just incredibly comfortable? That’s what hospice is like. It’s not about curing but about providing comfort and support during life’s final chapter.
Don't wait until the need for hospice arises—start planning today. By following the LTC steps—Learn about options, Talk with family, and Create a plan—you can ensure peace of mind, knowing that when the time comes, you or your loved one will have the best care.
Post jargon
MedicAID: healthcare public assistance
Medicare: health insurance for 65+ adults and disabled
➡️ Explore all the LTC jargon
What is it?
Hospice isn’t a place, but a type of care.
Its goal is to improve the quality of life and relieve pain when treatment is no longer an option. People typically enter hospice when they are expected to have less than six months to live, as certified by their doctor.
Hospice not only eases the burden of medical logistics but also provides a sense of relief for families. It allows them to focus on being present, fostering more connection, love, and meaningful moments together without the stress of managing care.
Where it takes place
Hospice care can be provided in different settings, depending on needs, preferences, and location in the galaxy.
- In-home: Most hospice care takes place in the home, allowing individuals to remain in a familiar environment surrounded by family. A registered nurse visits weekly or daily, based on needs, to manage pain and adjust medications. Support is just a phone call away for any unexpected needs.
- Facility: If more intensive care is required, in-patient hospice can be provided in a facility with 24/7 professional staff support. This can occur in various LTC facilities, like assisted living or a nursing home.
- Unique situations: While rare, your final days might occur on a planet besides Earth, surrounded by family, when, unexpectedly, you're reunited with your father, who has been missing in outer space for most of your adult life and hasn't aged, so he looks 50 years younger than you, and you're thinking to yourself, 'Whoa, what skin cream do you use?' In this case, you'd be eligible for interplanetary hospice—or you might just be a character in the movie Interstellar. Enjoy this 1-minute clip.
When to start
Choosing hospice often requires a change in perspective.
It’s not about giving up. It’s about making the choice to prioritize what truly matters in life’s final stage. The focus is on comfort, dignity, and spending quality time with those you love. When treatments are no longer effective, or an advanced illness becomes overwhelming, it might be time to consider hospice.
Starting hospice care as early as possible can greatly enhance the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Unfortunately, some wait until their final days to begin hospice and miss out on its full benefits:
- Better quality of life: Have you ever been in pain? It hurts. Living without pain feels so much better. Hospice allows one to live more comfortably with pain and symptom management.
- Access to resources: Hospice provides specialized equipment like a fancy bed, walker, medications, nurses, social workers, and more.
- Convenience: Care can come to your home—no more trips to the doctor or hospital.
- Peace of mind: You and your family can feel reassured knowing that medical professionals are there when needed.
- Life expectancy: Hospice doesn’t necessarily mean a shorter life. Many people live longer in hospice care, despite an initial expectation of six months.
- No commitment: You can opt out of hospice care at any time.
If you're unsure, talk to your doctor or a hospice provider to learn about your options to make an informed choice.
Watch this 2-minute video about Jackie, who extended her life in hospice.
Payment options
Medicare covers most hospice costs.
- 🟢 Private health insurance covers hospice in most cases.
- 🟢 Medicare pays for eligible patients. 🎉
- 🟡 MedicAID only helps if you have a severe financial hardship or a disability.
- 🟢 Long-term care insurance can help cover costs not paid by Medicare, such as room and board in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Finding a provider
Like other senior care options, hospice providers vary in quality, with some receiving excellent ratings while others fall short. Some providers prioritize profit over patient care, so it's crucial to research and compare providers.
This disparity in ratings highlights the importance of careful research.
Resources like the ProPublica guide, Hospice Report, Care Compare, and recommendations are all good places to start.
Watch this 30-second clip from a longer Last Week Tonight video on hospice for more advice and perspective.
Wrap up
Hospice care is like slipping into those perfect slippers—it’s all about comfort and peace of mind.
Whether you're on Earth or another planet with a son who doesn't age, it's a good idea to start exploring hospice options in your area now for yourself or a loved one. Make a plan to ensure that comfort will be prioritized when needed most, allowing for more meaningful moments and less stress for everyone.