Hospice FAQ

Hospice is about embracing the hope to live as fully as possible, in comfort and dignity, even when faced with an advanced illness. Our hospice care focuses on the patient’s quality of life, emotional support for both patient and family, at-home management of medical needs, as well as advanced management of pain and symptoms. Anyone can refer a patient to hospice; patients can even refer themselves.

• Individuals with illnesses where curative measures are no longer effective
• Those who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition with a prognosis of 6 months or less
• Individuals do not have to be homebound to receive hospice care
• Eligibility for hospice services must be certified by the patient’s attending physician and the hospice medical director.

Primarily, it is time for hospice care when doctors give a prognosis of 6 months or less to live. It is ideal to start hospice care and hospice support early to ensure both patient and family members fully benefit from the many services hospice provides.

Medicare pays for 100% of allowable charges, including charges for medications, durable medical equipment, medical supplies, respite care and inpatient care related to the hospice diagnosis. Most private insurances plans, as well as Medicaid also offer hospice coverage.

Our Guadalupe Regional hospice staff is on call 24 hours a day. After regular hours, and on weekends or holidays, you may contact the Hospice on-call nurse for symptom management, changes in your health, and questions by calling GRMC at (830) 379.2411.