Frequently Asked Questions

Hospice of Spokane offers care and support to patients with terminal illness and their loved ones. Through in-home skilled nursing care, home health aides for personal care, grief and bereavement counseling services, you and your loved one will be assured of the best possible quality of life to the end of life.

When should you contact hospice? Who makes the decision?
At any time during a life-threatening illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a person’s care options. The decision to choose hospice rests with the patient. Hospice of Spokane team members are highly sensitive to these concerns and are available to discuss hospice care with the patient and their family and answer any questions you might have. The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or friends.

Does hospice only treat cancer patients?
No. Hospice of Spokane serves people of all ages representing a variety of diseases. Cancer is common, but we also care for those with heart and respiratory diseases, dementia, etc.

Is hospice care covered by insurance? Does Medicare pay for everything? What about co-pays?
Medicare,Medicaid and many insurance plans cover hospice care. Generally speaking, the Hospice Medicare/Medicaid Benefit pays for all care related to the terminal condition including prescription drugs, respite care, medical equipment, supplies, a full range of social services and much more. Co-insurance will vary with private insurance depending on the plan and benefit available. Hospice of Spokane also offers a sliding fee scale when needed, please contact our Finance Department for more information.

How do you get “admitted” to hospice?
A Hospice of Spokane admissions nurse will contact the patient’s physician to make sure that it is an appropriate referral. The patient signs consent and insurance forms, agreeing that care is “comfort-oriented” (palliative), not intending to cure. Hospice services, insurance, Medicare/Medicaid benefits are discussed. Care generally begins immediately upon admission to hospice. You can call (509) 456-0438 or 1-800-HOSPICE to speak with someone about admission to Hospice of Spokane, or email us.

Can a hospice patient who is showing signs of recovery, or who wishes to try new curative treatments be returned to regular medical treatment?
Of course! The patient can sign off hospice care and return to either a curative treatment plan whenever they desire. If a discharged patient later needs to return to hospice care, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance will cover it.

What if I need special equipment?
Hospice of Spokane staff will assess your needs and make arrangements for needed equipment and supplies. Often these needs change as your condition changes.

Does it take a lot of family or friends to care for a patient at home?
Your individualized care plan will address caregiving needs unique to your situation. Hospice of Spokane nurses, aides and social workers are available to answer medical questions and provide support wherever you call home.

Must hospice care be given in a home?
No. Most patients live at home, but care can be given in other locations – including assisted living centers, nursing homes, the hospital, etc.

What kind of help is available to the patient?
Hospice patients are cared for through regularly-scheduled visits by nurses, social workers, chaplains, nurse aides and volunteers. Hospice care includes 24/7 phone support. Hospice also provides prescription medication, supplies, equipment and other helpful services related to the terminal illness.

How does hospice help with pain?
Hospice care addresses physical, emotional and spiritual pain. Hospice of Spokane continually updates its pain control and symptom management plan for each patient based on their needs.  Counselors are available to address spiritual or emotional issues.

Is hospice a religious organization?
Hospice of Spokane is not affiliated with any religion. We serve the entire community and do not require patients to adhere to a particular set of beliefs.

Is there help available after the patient dies?
Hospice of Spokane provides contact and support to the patient’s loved ones after the patient dies through mailings, grief support and private counseling.

Does a hospice patient have to be a No-Code? (Do Not Resuscitate)
No. Hospice of Spokane supports patients’ self-determination and personal choice related to health care decisions. Hospice of Spokane nurses and medical social workers are available for education and consultation related to health care choices.

Does a hospice patient have to have a six-month or less prognosis?
Exact prognosis may be difficult to determine with many terminal illnesses. Regulations require a prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs its normal expected course based on the physician’s best clinical judgment. Hospice evaluates diagnosis/prognosis on an ongoing basis. Some people’s hospice care may be extended beyond six months if it is appropriate. Others may see their health improving during hospice care, in which case they will “graduate” from hospice, and return when they again need hospice care.