Hospice Care

Comfort is the focus

Hospice supports people with a terminal illness through pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual care, and support for loved ones. It focuses on quality of life rather than treatment intended to cure the terminal illness.

When hospice may be appropriate

A physician must certify a prognosis of 6 months or less if the illness follows its normal course. Hospice can continue beyond six months when eligibility is recertified. You do not need to wait until the final days of life to ask about care.

The hospice team discusses eligibility, coverage, and the decision to elect hospice with you and your physician.

What the care plan may include

• Nursing visits and coordination with the hospice physician.
• Medications, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal illness and comfort needs, as covered by the hospice benefit.
• Social work, emotional care, and spiritual support that respects your beliefs.
• Caregiver guidance and bereavement support for loved ones.

Care where you live

Routine hospice care can be provided at home or in a residential care setting. Continuous home care, general inpatient care, and inpatient respite care address specific needs when eligibility requirements are met. Inpatient arrangements depend on the care plan and available settings; this does not mean Talna operates its own inpatient center.