FAQs

• How will I know when it’s time for hospice care?
  At any time during a life limiting illness, it is appropriate to discuss all options, including hospice care. By law, the decision belongs to the patient. Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping aggressive efforts to cure the disease. Your doctor, who will need to write a physician order for hospice care, can be the best person for these discussions. Our hospice team is also available to you for any questions that may arise during this process.
  

• Will I “run out” of hospice benefits in six months?
  No. We continue to provide the same care for you as long as you remain hospice eligible. You will never receive less service regardless of how long you are under our care. Some people live longer than originally expected once their pain and symptoms are under control.
  

• Who pays for hospice?
  A variety of options are available for patients needing hospice care. These include Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurances. If a patient does not have coverage from any existing resources, we will assist families in exploring coverage options for them. Harbor Grace Hospice will not refuse care based on an inability to pay.
  

• Where can a person receive hospice care?
  A person can receive home hospice in any place that they call home. It may be your own home, a family member or friend's home, an assisted living facility or a nursing home. We are in the process of opening our inpatient unit in downtown Atlanta, across the street from Atlanta Medical Center. Should the need for inpatient care arise prior to the opening of our inpatient unit, we have contracts with other inpatient hospice facilities.
  

• Does hospice provide 24 hour care in the home?
  No. Inpatient care is 24 hour care, home care is not. The nurse and the Certified Nursing Assistants make visits according to the patient’s needs and the plan of care agreed upon by the hospice and the patient, along with family and caregivers. The hospice team cannot replace the need for a primary caregiver in the home. We support the caregivers in their role but are unable to be with the patient at all times.
  

• How do I sign up?
  The hospice team will be in communication with your doctor to confirm that he/she is in agreement with hospice care at this time. Then, we will schedule for a nurse to meet with you at a time that is convenient for you and your family. There are consent papers and insurance forms to fill out with the nurse, who will do a head to toe assessment. Medications will be reviewed and a patient handbook will be left with you. All patients and their families will have access to an on call nurse to answer any questions or assist with any problems you may be experiencing.
  

• What happens when I die?
  A nurse will come to the home at the time of death to fill out a “pronouncement” form. This allows the funeral home to avoid having to take you to the hospital. Our chaplains and social workers are available to assist in funeral preparations and may also participate in the funeral if desired. Harbor Grace Hospice provides continuous contact and support for caregivers for at least 13 months following the death of a loved one.
  

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