Suncrest FAQs

Hospice is a care form provided for those with life-limiting conditions that give them a life expectancy of 6 months or less, as described by a doctor. When receiving hospice care, the focus shifts from treating the disease to managing its symptoms. This shift in care type helps increase patient comfort as the disease continues to run its course. 

While hospice care is most often provided in the patient’s home, it can also be provided in freestanding hospice centers, hospitals, and nursing homes.

These services are available to patients of any age, religion, race, or illness. Additionally, hospice is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations.

The time when a loved one begins receiving hospice care is a time full of uncertainty, which is why Suncrest is here to help answer any questions. 

In general, a family member will serve as the primary caregiver and helps make decisions for the terminally ill individual. The hospice staff will make regular visits to assess the patients and provide care based on the established care plan that is individualized to the patient’s needs and wants. Because of this individualization, the services offered by hospice vary considerably, but all hospice staff are available by phone 24/7.

Your loved one’s hospice team usually consists of the following:

• • • the patient’s personal physician
    • hospice physician (or medical director)
    • nurses
    • hospice aides
    • social workers
    • spiritual care providers or other counselors
    • bereavement professionals
    • speech, physical, and/or occupational therapists
    • trained volunteers

• • The services provided by the hospice team include:

    • Management of patient pain and symptoms
    • Assisting the patient with the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of dying
    • Provide needed drugs, medical supplies, and equipment
    • Coach the family on how to care for the patient
    • Deliver special services like physical, speech, music, and art therapies
    • Make short-term inpatient care available when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home or the caregiver needs respite time
    • Provide bereavement care and counseling to surviving family and friends

Hospice volunteers are typically trained to relieve the primary caregiver and do household chores. Additionally, hospice volunteers are exceptionally “good listeners.” Assistance provided by volunteers may also not involve patient or family interactions but still be essential for the hospice program.

Hospice care is available for anyone with a life-threatening or terminal illness, and reimbursement typically requires a doctor’s prognosis of six months or less of life.

In most cases, hospice care is entirely covered by Medicare, leaving minimal out-of-pocket expenses for the patient or family. Most private health plans and Medicaid also cover hospice services.

The majority of hospice patients are cared for in their own homes or the homes of a loved one. “Home” may also be broadly construed to include services provided in nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals…wherever the patient considers to be home.

Home care is individualized to the patient but may include:

• skilled nursing
• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• speech therapy
• social work
• home health aides

Patients are eligible for home health services if they meet the following criteria:

• home-bound
• require rehabilitative services
• have an order from a physician

To be classified as home-bound, the patient will rarely leave home due to their medical symptoms, and they require assistance whenever they do leave their home.

Home Health services are covered 100% by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance companies.

When a physician suggests Palliative Care, our Palliative Care Coordinator will work with you to arrange a consultation appointment where we discuss what palliative care includes based on your needs. This is also the time when we can answer any other questions you have.

Yes, Suncrest services are offered complimentary to other care providers you see. Additionally, we work closely with your other physicians to assess and determine the ideal care plan for you.

Yes, Suncrest Palliative Care will work alongside your current medical treatments to provide symptom management and support as needed. Palliative Care can even provide relief from symptoms that result due to your treatment.

Many insurance providers do offer benefits for palliative care. Our trained professionals can help you determine what is covered by your insurance provider.