What Can 180 Days Do for You?

Did you know that all Medicare beneficiaries are entitled to 180 days of hospice care? That’s six months of special comfort care only hospice professionals can provide, and Medicare provides 100% coverage of these services. When people don’t receive this benefit until the final days of life, they miss out on all that hospice can offer and may end up spending difficult days in the hospital or emergency room.

For most patients, Hospice care means to be comfortable, at peace in your own home, surrounded by loved ones until the very end, which is where most Americans say they want to be at end of life. At Hospice of Marion County, approximately 86% of our patients receive care in their home, wherever that may be. Care is also provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and at our hospice houses.

November is National Hospice Month, a time to increase awareness about the benefits of hospice and palliative/supportive care. Far too many people wait until they are in the midst of a healthcare crisis before thinking about what options are available or what care they or their loved ones would have wanted. Hospice providers can help with information about care options and choices and ensure you live as fully as possible. They will make sure your loved ones receive emotional, spiritual and grief support as well.

When a family is coping with a serious illness and a cure is no longer possible, hospice provides the type of care most people say they want at the end of life: comfort and dignity. However, it’s an all too common situation. A family is at the bedside of a loved one who is seriously ill and nearing the end of life. Each member of the family has a different idea of what should be done and what the patient would have wanted. One of the best ways to make sure you and your loved ones benefit fully from hospice, should you ever need this care, is to talk about it before it becomes an issue. Preparing an advance directive identifies who your healthcare surrogate is and gives your loved ones a roadmap to what your wishes are at end of life. Having a conversation with loved ones about your advance directives is a gift that leaves no unanswered questions.

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that more than 1.5 million people received care from hospices across our nation last year. Considered to be the model for high-quality, compassionate care for people with a life-limiting illness, hospice and supportive care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.

Starting hospice and supportive care services earlier allows time for hospice teams to provide medical, emotional and spiritual support focused on quality of life and comfort. It also allows the chance to address grief and to help patients and their loved ones find meaning and acceptance at the end of life.

Make sure you are getting your full 180 days hospice benefit. Anyone can make a referral for hospice care by simply calling our admissions department at (352) 873-7415.

For more information, contact Hospice of Marion County, your local Hometown HospiceTM since 1983. Visit www.hospiceofmarion.com or call (352) 873-7400.