Hospice Care Resources & FAQs

Hospice care begins the moment a referral opens the door to comfort measures that focus on end-of-life care. From that first whisper of need, our team moves with tenderness and intention. Whenever it aligns with the patient’s need and the family’s or facility's rhythm, a Primrose Hospice representative will come to assess and evaluate, arriving softly, with compassion and calm. The Hospice Medical Director or Physician will certify eligibility, and most often, the full embrace of hospice services begins within a day or two.

Even when the office lights have dimmed for the day, hospice care never sleeps. Our hospice services are available ‘on-call’ after the administrative office has closed, ensuring that end-of-life care support is accessible around the clock—every hour, every day of the week—so comfort is always within reach. 

Our nurses stand ready with gentle steadiness, prepared to respond within minutes whenever a need arises. No matter the hour, you are never alone on this journey.

As illness progresses, patients may experience pain or other difficult symptoms. Our hospice care team is specially trained to bring comfort, ease distress, and provide a sanctuary of support for both body and spirit during this crucial time. We work closely with each patient’s physician to ensure that medications, therapies, and treatments align with their personal care goals, particularly in the context of end-of-life care. The care plan is reviewed often, adapting gently as needs change, utilizing hospice services and tools to measure how comfortable the patient is.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers nearly all hospice care in the U.S., ensuring that patients have access to essential end-of-life care. To qualify, a patient must be enrolled in Medicare Part A, have a physician and hospice medical director certify a life expectancy of 6 months or less if the illness follows its normal course, and opt for comfort-focused care instead of curative treatment. Additionally, Medicaid, private insurance, and VA plans also include hospice services, allowing most patients and families to pay little to nothing out of pocket, even if they are not on Medicare.

Hospice care is an all-inclusive benefit, meaning payment covers a variety of essential hospice services, including: physician and nursing care, medications related to the terminal illness, medical equipment (such as hospital beds, oxygen, and wheelchairs), hospice aides, social work, chaplain services, 24/7 on-call support, short-term inpatient care and respite care, and bereavement support for the family for up to 13 months, ensuring comprehensive end-of-life care.

In addition to the hospice care benefit coverage, Primrose Hospice goes above and beyond by providing incontinence supplies and specialty care programs. This holistic approach to end-of-life care ensures that both the patient and their family can find comfort in a sanctuary of care and support.