Everything You Need to Know About Hospice Care in CT

Like many topics related to death and dying, families tend to avoid the topic of hospice care until a physician or social worker brings up the subject. This is unfortunate because studies show that people tend to live longer when they receive hospice care in CT. When you and your family know about the services and benefits of hospice, you will feel more comfortable discussing it with your doctor when the time arises. 

What is Hospice Care?

Many people make the mistake of thinking palliative care and hospice care in CT are the same thing, when they are not. Palliative care involves the reduction of pain at any stage of life. While hospice care involves palliative care, it is so much more and only occurs when a patient is diagnoses with a terminal illness. Additionally, hospice is as much a philosophy as it is a treatment modality. The principle that guides hospice is that death is a natural part of life.

Hospice takes a whole person approach to the treatment of both the terminally ill patient and his or her family. A team of professionals who provide medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support delivers hospice care and services. Hospice care does not end when the patient dies, as the family of the patient receives support as they deal with the loss of their loved one.

Where is Hospice Care Delivered?

People can receive hospice care wherever they are. The hospice team serves patients who are in hospitals, nursing homes, their private homes, or in special hospice centers. The decision where hospice is delivered is made by the patient, the family, and the medical team. 

How Do Hospice Centers Get Paid?

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care. In the event the patient does not have medical care, the hospice provider will provide their services free of charge. Most hospice providers operate as non-profit agencies.

When discussing hospice care with you family and loved ones, it is important to realize that providers take different approaches in the way they deliver care. Some take a more medical and clinical approach, while others take a more spirirtual or religious approach. What all hospice providers offer are services that make your end of life journey as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

Key Takeaways:

• It is important to talk about hospice care with loved ones before it is needed.
• Hospice care takes a mind, body, and soul appraoch to end of life care.
• Cost is never an issue for hospice services.