Understanding Hospice Care:

In the State of Rhode Island

What Is Hospice?

The Hospice Foundation of America provided the following information on hospice care.

• Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients and their families when a life-limiting illness no longer responds to medical treatments.
  
  
• Hospice care neither prolongs life, nor hastens death.
  
  
• The goal of hospice care is to improve the quality of a patient's last days by offering comfort and dignity.
  
  
• Hospice care is provided by a team-oriented group of specially trained professionals, volunteers, and family members. This training includes pain management.
  
  
• Hospice addresses all symptoms of a disease, with a special emphasis on controlling the patient's discomfort.
  
  
• Hospice deals with the emotional, social, and spiritual impact of the disease on the patient and their family and friends.
  
  
• Hospice offers a variety of bereavement and counseling services to families before and after a patient's death.
  

Questions to Ask Hospice Providers

1. Does the hospice serve the area where the patient lives?
   
   
2. Is the hospice licensed (where applicable), and is it Medicare/Medicaid certified?
   
   
3. Does the hospice provide the services you want or need?
   
   
4. What does the hospice expect from you and your caregiver support system?
   
   
5. Will your insurance plan cover hospice services?
   
   
6. Does the hospice have a support system for caregivers?
   
   
7. Where is needed inpatient or respite care provided?
   
   
8. Are the hospice's positions on resuscitation, hydration, and antibiotics similar to yours?
   
   
9. What out-of-pocket expenses should you anticipate?
   
   
10. Is there a sliding scale payment plan for services not covered by insurance?
    

What to Expect When You Choose A Hospice Provider

• Before providing care, hospice staff meets with the patient's personal physicians and a hospice physician to discuss patient history, current physical symptoms, and life expectancy.
  
  
• After an initial meeting with the physicians, hospice staff meets with both the patient and their family. They discuss the hospice philosophy, available services and expectations.
  
  
• Prior to service, staff and patients also discuss pain and comfort levels, support systems, financial and insurance resources, medications, and equipment needs.
  
  
• A plan of care is developed for the patient. This plan is regularly reviewed and revised according to the patient's condition.
  
  
• Bereavement services and counseling are typically available for a year after the patient's death.
  
  
• Lastly, for a complete list of available hospice and respite care providers in the state of Rhode Island, please refer to the Rhode Island Cancer Council's brochure titled Hospice and Respite Care Providers in Rhode Island.
  

Insurance Coverage for Hospice Care in Rhode Island

Below is a list of private insurance companies and public assistance plans that provide hospice coverage. This coverage varies, so use the contact phone numbers to speak with an insurance agent. Keep in mind that many hospice providers accept all patients without regard to their ability to pay.

For more information on hospice care and services contact:

Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island

401-727-7070
Or
800-338-6555

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