When is hospice appropriate?

Hospice care is appropriate for a terminally ill patient who has received a prognosis from a physician that their time is limited.

When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it?

When the physician and patient discuss treatment options, the subject of hospice care can be addressed at any time. Ultimately, the decision regarding hospice care belongs to the patient.

There is no definite time to make the decision because each situation is different. However, experience has shown that early referrals are beneficial for the patient, both physically and emotionally. Hospice care becomes appropriate when the patient and family need help with adjusting to the diagnosis and preparing for future changes.

When does hospice care stop?

Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado provides care for as long as required with out any time limit. Hospice care ends only when a patient makes a determination to end care. If a patient makes the decision to resume curative treatment, hospice care may be revoked. A patient can return to hospice care again at a later date.

The patient’s primary physician and our Medical Director can deem a patient no longer eligible for hospice care. This occurs when a terminally ill patient’s health improves or their illness goes into a remission.

Where is hospice care administered?

Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado provides the majority of its care in a patient’s place of residence, with family and friends acting as caregivers. If a patient requires inpatient care in order to address acute symptoms or to provide respite for a caregiver, we will arrange for a patient to be placed in our In-Patient Care Center, located at North Colorado Medical Center. In-patient care is also available for Morgan County patients at East Morgan County Hospital in Brush.

Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?

Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado will assess your needs, recommend any necessary equipment and help make arrangements to obtain it.

How does Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado manage pain?

Our registered nurses, Medical Director and the patient’s physician all work together to provide the proper pain management regiment. Members of our staff are certified in Hospice and Palliative Care and are experts in pain management. We also provide social workers and chaplains to help assist our patients with emotional and spiritual needs.

Is hospice care covered by insurance?

Medicare, Medicaid and most private health insurance policies provide hospice care coverage. The Medicare Hospice Benefit provides a daily allowance to the hospice organization and the cost of hospice care is fully covered under Medicare Part A or hospital insurance. In turn the hospice organization pays for all medical services, medication, durable medical equipment, supplies and treatments related to the primary diagnosis. Like Medicare, both Medicaid and most private insurance companies also provide coverage for hospice care.

What if I do not have insurance or enough personal income to pay for services?

Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado provides care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

Does Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado provide any help to the family after a patient dies?

Our Medicare Hospice benefit provides bereavement support for family members and loved ones for up to 13 months after a patient has passed.

What if we have a problem on a week night, weekend or holiday?

Help from Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado interdisciplinary team is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days per year.

Is hospice care limited to cancer patients?

No, hospice care is for any patient with a life expectancy prognosis of six months or less.

Does Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado cover chemotherapy and radiation if needed?

Hospice does not cover chemotherapy. However, radiation is covered at the discretion of the Medical Director.