Here with Answers ~
Are you eligible to receive hospice care?

Hospice Qualifications, Requirements and Eligibility

Hospice provides care to anyone, of any age, whose life expectancy is measured in months, rather than years. Some of the common diagnoses our eligible patients have had are cancer, cardiac disease, renal disease, neurological illnesses, Lou Gehrig’s disease, AIDS, cirrhosis, leukemia, and some may even have dementia.

What happens if I live longer than six months?

As long as you meet the Hospice qualifications, there is no limit on the number of days you can receive care from Hospice Buffalo. After six months, you can continue to receive services as long as the physician re-certifies you for hospice care.

How do I qualify for hospice care?

To qualify for hospice a physician must use their clinical judgment that hospice care is appropriate for a patient, given the expected course of an illness. Your doctor or hospital/facility case manager will evaluate hospice requirements and may call Hospice, or you may call. If you or someone from your family calls Hospice, we will contact your doctor to discuss the illness and verify that hospice care is medically appropriate. Once deemed eligible, the patient actually becomes admitted to hospice by signing a consent form electing hospice care.

Can I continue to receive care with my own doctor?

Yes. A Hospice medical director is available for consultation with the patient’s physician. Hospice nurses will work with the doctor of any qualified Hospice patients on all aspects of care. If, for some reason, your physician is unable to visit you, you may choose for a Hospice physician specializing in comfort care to visit with you and consult with your Hospice care team.

When do I have to decide if I need Hospice? Can we just talk?

There is never any obligation to choose Hospice care. We are happy to visit with you and your family or friends, talk about your situation and needs, and answer all your questions to help you determine when and if you need Hospice care. We’re here for you. Because as long as you qualify for our services, you can begin Hospice care whenever you feel it’s the right time and choice for you.