Hospice is one care option for patients with a terminal illness. In this article, we’ll define the term “hospice” and explain how it relates to nursing home abuse.
Hospice is a type of care focusing on the quality of life for patients with an advanced, life-limiting illness. It aims to provide compassionate care so people can live as fully and comfortably as possible in the last phases of an incurable illness.
As a form of end-of-life care, hospice does not try to postpone death. Rather than trying to treat or cure the disease, hospice treats the patient and their symptoms.
Hospice is a comprehensive form of care that also provides support for the family. It allows patients to spend their last days surrounded by loved ones with dignity and quality.
Hospice is more of an approach to care, meaning it isn’t tied to a specific place. It can be offered both in the patient’s home and within a facility such as a hospital, nursing home, or hospice center.
Hospice staff come from a variety of backgrounds and include nurses, doctors, social workers, spiritual advisors, and trained volunteers. The entire team works together to offer the patient and their family the necessary medical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Medicare Part A covers hospice care if the patient meets the following conditions:
Approved hospice patients pay nothing for hospice care and 5% of the Medicare-Approved Amount for inpatient respite care. They must still pay for room and board if they live in a facility like a nursing home.
Other insurance providers vary in their coverage of hospice.
Whether a patient receives hospice care in a nursing home or other facility, their well-being and quality of life are of the utmost importance. All hospice staff have a duty of care to their patients to offer the highest-quality care possible and do everything in their ability to prevent harm to the patient. A failure to meet this duty of care is considered negligence.
If you or a loved one were harmed by a hospice staff member, you may be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering. It is recommended that you speak to an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer to hear about the steps you can take to pursue justice.
