Question

What are the pros and cons of having a hospice in one’s home versus a hospital?

Answer 1

Answer: The hospice patient is cared for by a team of professionals who provide medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient's wishes. Hospice nurses are vital members of that team.

Pros of having hospice:

1) Hospice includes comprehensive, interdisciplinary care from a team of professionals and hospice volunteers. This care can involve physicians, case manager nurses, home health aids, certified medical social workers, chaplains and trained hospice volunteers to meet the needs of the patient and his or her family members or personal caregivers.

2) Patients and their family members or personal caregivers always have access to hospice professionals when they need assistance.

3) It can be pocket friendly as Medicare, Medicaid and/or your private insurance typically cover the cost of these necessary items for hospice patients.

Cons of having hospice:

1) Denial of some diagnostic tests as some of the tests are expensive and might not always prove beneficial, hospice agencies often will not approve them.

2) The criteria for admission and coverage for specific treatments are poorly defined.

3) Participation in experimental treatments or clinical trials is not allowed because they are considered life-prolonging.