What types of assistance can a hospice program provide?

Hospice services can help with everything from insurance and other financial matters to routine chores. Some hospice organizations provide light housekeeping as part of their covered services.

The hospice staff will provide information about things to do to keep the patient comfortable. Needs will change over time, and hospice will help you understand and watch for these changes. If you have any questions, you can contact a member of the hospice staff at any time.

A hospice social worker can help with many practical concerns such as:

• Explaining and helping to complete advance directives, if requested
• Identifying and explaining insurance benefits
• Explaining what services hospice benefits pay for
• Setting up a system for staying organized
• Linking caregivers and family to community resources
• Setting up services with a licensed counselor or support group
• Arranging for respite care to give caregivers time off
• Contacting friends and relatives
• Assisting with funeral arrangements

Caregivers also need breaks (respite) to avoid physical and emotional exhaustion. Respite care services can provide this type of relief for caregivers for up to five days. Hospice benefits pay for the patient to be cared for outside the home (at a nursing facility or other residential care facility) during respite care for the main caregiver. During this time, the caregiver can visit the patient. Talk with the hospice staff as soon as possible about arranging for this type of break because respite care may not be available immediately.