Knowing when to pursue hospice care can be a difficult decision. Whether you are a patient or a family member, having the correct information about hospice services can help you decide whether this care is appropriate.Hospice is for people with advanced illness, no matter their age, culture, beliefs, or cause of illness. Hospice care supports people near the end-of-life by providing individualized plans focused on each patients wishes.What to Know About Hospice CareHospice is for patients who have 6 months or less to live according to their physician. This can be extended when needed. Patients can leave or revoke their hospice status at any time. They can also come back to hospice at any time, as long as they meet hospice eligibility guidelines. There is no time limit a patient can remain on hospice.Also, most hospice patients do not have any out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Part A covers up to 100% of the cost of hospice care related to a hospice-eligible patients illness, with no deductible or copayment. Private or employer-provided health coverage can vary by provider. Medicaid provides hospice coverage, but it varies by state.Why Hospice?Improved Quality of LifeHospice is a service that comes to a patient in the place they prefer to be for end-of-life care. Patients at home feel better surrounded by people and things they love. To ease pain, hospice doctors try to give just enough medicine to manage the symptoms and comfort level of the patient. Hospice also provides home medical equipment and supplies related to the cause of the illness.With support and expertise from the hospice team, family and friends are a hospice patients primary caregivers. For patients who live in assisted living communities and nursing homes, the hospice team works together with the facility staff.For more than a year after a patient dies, hospice addresses the emotional and spiritual pain suffered by loved ones.They provide bereavement support to help family members and friends cope with the loss and grief.Support While Considering HospiceHospice is not an easy decision, though it may be the right one for you or your loved one. Understanding the essential aspects of hospice services can help guide this decision-making process. Hospice can help manage the illness at home or in another comfortable setting to allow for the best quality of life possible. It is important to think of hospice as a level of care designed for those with advanced illness towards the end of life, not as just a final step in the dying process. Patients also have the freedom to leave hospice care, known as revoking their hospice status, at any time should they decide to pursue more aggressive treatments. They can then return to hospice care at any time as long as they remain eligible. Unlike other healthcare services, there is no specific time limit for how long a patient can receive hospice care. Hospice agencies are there for you at any time to discuss your options, talk about services, and answer any of your questions, you should feel free to call at any time. In conclusion, the hospice benefit provides an invaluable service that is tailored to the patients needs and provides immense support to them, their caregivers and loved ones. Editors Note: This article was written by Evalisa McClure, general manager of VITAS Healthcare in Pittsburgh. For more information about VITAS hospice services, call (800) 723-3233 or visit VITAS.com.