Clinicians

Hospice: The  different levels of hospice care

Home Hospice (Covered by Medicare)

  • Visits from nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers to manage symptoms and pain.
  • Medical equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, or oxygen.
  • Supplies like bandages, gloves, or medications related to the hospice diagnosis.
  • Physical, speech, and occupational therapy if needed.
  • Counseling and emotional support for the patient and their family.
  • Short-term inpatient care if symptoms become unmanageable at home.
  • Respite care (temporary care in a facility so caregivers can take a break).

Residential Hospice (Partially Covered by Medicare)

  • Medicare covers medical care, equipment, and medications.
  • Does not cover room and board unless it is short-term for symptom management or respite care.
  • Standard out-of-pocket cost for room and board is $250-500 per day at a facility. For example, Hooper House costs $300 a day for their residential program.

General Inpatient Hospice (GIP) (Covered by Medicare)

  • 24/7 care for severe symptoms like uncontrolled pain, breathing problems, or severe nausea.
  • Care provided in a hospital, hospice facility, or nursing home.
  • Includes all treatments related to managing symptoms.

Medicare’s goal is to make sure the patient is comfortable and cared for, but some costs (like housing or meals in residential hospice) may not be fully covered unless they are directly tied to medical needs.

Funeral  Resources

SPOTLIGHT ON BURIAL FUNDS — 2024 Edition https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-burial-funds.htm

Funeral home price survey List of funeral homes, their pricing for cremation and/or burial

How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies

Grief  Resources for Hospital Clinicians

  • Debriefing sessions: These sessions provide an opportunity for clinicians to talk about their experiences and emotions related to a patient’s death or other loss.
  • Peer support groups: These groups provide a safe and supportive space for clinicians to connect with each other and share their experiences.
  • Mental health counseling: Clinicians who are struggling with grief may benefit from individual or group therapy.
  • Educational resources: Information about grief and loss, as well as coping strategies, can be helpful for clinicians.
  • Self-care resources: Resources that help clinicians to take care of their own mental and physical health.
  • Time off: Allowing clinicians time off to grieve can be important for their well-being.
  • Recognition and appreciation: Acknowledging the emotional toll that grief can take on clinicians can be helpful.