Hospice care can be initiated directly by patients or their families without waiting for a physician's referral. If you or a loved one has a life-limiting condition and believe hospice care could be beneficial, you can proactively reach out to a hospice provider. During this contact, the hospice team will assess and confirm that the patient has a life-limiting condition and a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its usual course. They will then discuss a care plan that respects the patient’s needs and wishes.

Yes, one of the primary benefits of hospice care is that it can be provided in the comfort of the patient's own home. This allows patients to remain in a familiar environment surrounded by their loved ones. Hospice services can also be provided in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice centers. 

The hospice care team is typically comprised of a multidisciplinary group of professionals dedicated to providing comprehensive care. This includes physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, counselors, and chaplains. They work together to address the medical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of both patients and their families. 

Yes, part of hospice care involves educating and supporting family members on how to care for their loved ones. Hospice staff provide necessary training on medication management, basic care techniques, and how to handle potential emergencies, ensuring family caregivers feel confident and supported in their roles. 

Generally, the focus of hospice care is to prioritize comfort over curative treatments, which means that many medications and treatments aimed at curing the illness may be discontinued. However, medications and treatments that provide symptom control or improve quality of life can continue. The hospice team will work with you to carefully review all current medications and treatments to determine which should be maintained or adjusted to support your comfort and care goals.

Yes, you can absolutely continue to see your own doctor while under hospice care. In fact, your doctor can collaborate with the hospice team to ensure that your care plan reflects your personal health needs and preferences. Many patients find this continuity with their own doctors to be comforting and beneficial as they transition to hospice care.