Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can we expect from the Beacon Hospice Staff?
2. When is hospice appropriate?
3. Should I wait for our physician to bring up the subject of hospice or can I ask about it first?
4. What if our physician doesn't know about hospice?
5. When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it?
6. Where do I go to get hospice care?
7. Is it true that hospice is where you go when there is "nothing else to be done"?
8. What if I don't understand what is happening and don't know how to make the right decisions?
9. What does the admission process involve?
10. How do I refer someone to Beacon Hospice?
11. Can I keep my own doctor?
12. Who pays for hospice services?
13. If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be any additional expenses to be paid?
14. Do I lose any Medicare benefits because I am on hospice care?
15. I've heard that hospice agencies provide unnecessary services so they can make more money. I've also heard that hospice agencies can use up my Medicare benefits by providing unnecessary services. Is this true?
16. Are you a for-profit or a non-profit agency?
17. What if I do not have Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance or enough personal income to pay for services?
18. When does hospice care stop?
19. Can a Beacon Hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
20. What if a Medicare hospice patient wants to transfer to a different hospice agency?
21. Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?
22. How many family members or friends does it take to care for a patient at home?
23. How difficult is caring for a dying loved one at home?
24. What if we have a problem on a week night, weekend or holiday?
25. Does Beacon Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
26. How does Beacon Hospice manage pain?
27. What is Beacon Hospice's success rate in controlling pain?
28. Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what is happening?
29. Does Beacon Hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?
30. Is Beacon Hospice affiliated with any religious organization or other hospice?
31. Is hospice care more expensive than regular care?
32. How does Beacon Hospice use and/or disclose my personal health care information?
33. Where can I find out more about hospice?