Hospice - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the levels of care?

Routine Care

Nursing, social work, chaplain, home health aide and volunteer services provided to patients in the home or nursing home.

Continuous Care

Hospice can provide nursing care eight to 24 hours a day in times of medical crisis for pain and symptom control. This can often minimize the need for hospitalization.

Acute Inpatient Care

Hospice can provide short-term inpatient care for pain control symptom management in facilities approved by Beaumont Hospice.

Respite Care

Hospice will provide short-term respite care to give patients time in a setting other than the home. Facilities must be approved by Hospice.

Who does hospice care for?

• People with life-limiting illness
• People who choose comfort and pain management rather than curative treatment
• People who choose no extreme means to sustain life
• People with end-stage diseases such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, Alzheimer's disease, kidney disease, ALS and AIDS
• Family members who are grieving the loss of their loved one
• People with life-limiting illness
• People who choose comfort and pain management rather than curative treatment
• People who choose no extreme means to sustain life
• People with end-stage diseases such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, Alzheimer's disease, kidney disease, ALS and AIDS
• Family members who are grieving the loss of their loved one

What services does hospice provide?

Our hospice team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides and trained volunteers provide support and care to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families. Pain control and symptom management as well as emotional, psychological, social and spiritual support are provided for patients and families. Dietary counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services are also available.

Beaumont Hospice also provides medications, medical equipment, supplies and ambulance services that are included in the hospice plan of care.

Physician Services

• Hospice physicians are available to meet general medical needs for symptom and pain control and to oversee management of the illness and related conditions to the extent these needs are not met by the attending physician.

Skilled Nursing

• Nurses coordinate all services necessary to the patient's illness, which may include teaching, supervision and direct care.

How is hospice paid for?

Most insurers (including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross and HMOs) reimburse for hospice care. Most insurers also cover short stays in hospitals or nursing homes for pain and symptom control or for respite care. No patient is denied hospice care due to financial or insurance reasons. Contributions to Beaumont Hospice, a non-profit organizations, allow us to provide services regardless of ability to pay.

Patient and Caregiver Handbook

If you would like to learn more about Beaumont Hospice staff, services and resources available to you or your loved one, please click on the link to read our Patient and Caregiver Handbook.