Hospice Care Law and Legal Definition
Hospice care refers to the care given to patients who are terminally ill and approaching the end of life. The service provided under hospice care includes nursing care, social services, physician services, spiritual support and counseling, trained volunteer support, physical occupational and speech therapies, respite care, inpatient care, bereavement, support and home health aides and homemaker services. It basically provides an option for patient’s, whose life expectancy is six months or less to live their end days to the fullest, with purpose, dignity, grace and support. Hospice care provides palliative care rather than curative treatments. Medicare part A covers the hospice care services.
Hospice care provides a team-oriented service giving medical, physical, social, emotional and spiritual support to both patient and their family members. Medicare offers both home care and inpatient care under hospice care.
