Continuous hospice; do I call a hospice provider or Medicare?

Just googled "concurrent hospice care" and got a fair number of hits.

Bingo! Announcement that Medicare will try out this new model:

innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/Medicare-Care-Choices/

There's a map on that page to locate providers; hopefully you'll find one in your area.

innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/Medicare-Care-Choices/

Ahmijoy, I'm not familiar with this somewhat hybridized care plan, but I would call Medicare one way or the other to find out what's covered. I learned that most of the information I got on Palliative Care was wrong. I knew room and board wasn't covered, but I didn't learn until later that meds weren't covered either.

I got the best information on hospice vs. palliative and what's covered by contacting the National Hospital & Palliative Care organization (800.658.8898).

The PC and hospice care companies themselves often were wrong. The only one that wasn't was an upstanding, ethical, religious oriented hospice company. Some of the ones I contacted were well recommended, but literally like wolves at the door trying to get the assignment.

I've heard it called concurrent care. That means the person can seek curative care at the same time as receiving hospice services. The idea was to provide hospice services earlier for people who might otherwise put it off until the very end because they still hoped to pursue curative care. The thing is, it's a new concept and I don't know if it's widely available yet. I'd start with the patient's primary physician and see he/she will refer the patient for hospice services, then discuss what's available. My mother entered hospice a week ago but it's traditional EOL hospice, because she's not seeking treatment for the blood cancer which is her terminal condition.

Where I live there are only a couple of Homecare/oHospice agencies. A doctor sends over an order for Hospice to the Homecare. Homecare will come and make an evaluation. If found that the person fits the criteria then services will be given. You can have can aide for bathing. While they are there you can take the time to get away, I think there is respite care too. So call your primary and ask for an order.

Good point Barb. The person would have to forgo care that prolongs their life.
Ahmijoy call the person’s PCP and check it out!

Ham, has your Dh ever had an evaluation for Hospice or Palliative care?

The real question is, are there treatments, ER visits, meds that are curative in nature that would be discontinued in hospice. Make a list of all meds and treatments. Ask about each one.

Was it this thread https://www.agingcare.com/discussions/im-getting-a-vacation-and-the-wonders-of-hospice-for-respite-438308.htm

That persons LO is on continuity of life hospice. Your LO will have to qualify for it and be assessed. 

I haven't heard of continuous hospice. I hope the person who mentioned it sees this and responds!

Does your loved one have a terminal condition that is expected to end their life within 6 months? That is generally the basic criterion. However it is well recognized that no one can predict the end of life exactly, so the hospice care can continue as long as the recipient continues in end-of-life status.

They are probably taking about palliative care. i would try calling both a hospice and Medicare. I am not sure everything would be free and the Dr would have some input into what their needs are