Grief is a reaction to loss, and like a fingerprint, it is different for everyone.  Many factors influence how you experience and express grief, including your relationship to the person who died, the circumstances of the death, and your culture and spirituality.  Grief is not always about the death of someone you love. You may…

When a life limiting incurable illness no longer responds to treatment, or when treatment severely diminishes the patient’s quality of life and the patient or their proxy has elected not to pursue further treatment, it’s time to consider hospice care. Entering hospice early with weeks or months of life remaining rather than waiting until death…

Most patients enter hospice when a physician refers them for end-of-life care, often after they have been hospitalized or spent time in a nursing care facility. Alternatively, patients or their loved ones may “self-refer” by contacting a hospice provider directly to discuss the patient’s medical status and care needs. In either case, any hospice provider…

The first week of at-home hospice care can bring a flurry of unanticipated activity. However, the pace of visits will generally slow after the first few days and begin to follow a predictable routine. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals with experience in end-of-life care. These typically include a hospice physician,…

Most hospice patients are eligible for Medicare, which covers all aspects of hospice care and services. There is no deductible for hospice services, although there may be a nominal co-payment for prescriptions and for respite care.

Patients and families who choose hospice care often receive a physician’s referral to a specific hospice provider. In some areas, this may be the only option for hospice care. In other cases, patients and families may be able to choose among multiple providers. It is not necessary to choose the hospice recommended by a physician, hospital, or nursing home.

Caregiving can be difficult, both physically and mentally. As a caregiver, it is important to look after your own health and wellbeing while caring for your loved one. There are many ways to practice self-care and seek support as you cope with grief.

Caregiving often comes with financial pressures. Many caregivers cannot afford to give up their paycheck or risk losing their job if they take extended time off for caregiving. Several national studies show that the cost of being a caregiver is high because it can involve additional out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and unpaid work. These options…