Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice

What is Mountain Hospice?
Hospice is an in-home program designed to assist patients and their families to live as fully as possible during a terminal illness. Hospice allows patients to be in control of their lives and to make choices concerning their care.

What does Mountain Hospice do?
Hospice focuses on the relief of both physical and emotional pain as well as other symptoms associated with advanced illness. Hospice also provides supportive care to meet both the patient’s and the family’s needs.

Who may refer a patient to Mountain Hospice?
ANYONE can make a referral to Mountain Hospice. Our staff will work closely with your physician to determine eligibility.

Who can receive Mountain Hospice services?
A person who:
• prefers to live in the comfort of their home with a life-limiting illness.
• lives in Barbour, Grant, Mineral, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph or Tucker County in their home, nursing home, personal care home or assisted living facility.

Can I keep my own physician?
Yes, at Mountain Hospice the relationship between the physician and the patient does not change. Orders for medical care are received from the physician who is considered an important member of the Hospice team.

Who pays for Mountain Hospice?
Reimbursements may come from Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance companies. Charges may be made on a sliding scale for private pay; however, persons are accepted into Mountain Hospice based on their health needs, not their ability to pay. Fund-raising events and personal donations help make up the difference. Mountain Hospice will not take social security checks or attach estates.

Am I allowed to go to the hospital if I am a Mountain Hospice patient?
Yes, Mountain Hospice strives to manage all patient care in the home; however, if a situation requires, patients can be admitted to a hospital for symptom control. Patients may also receive short-term respite care, which gives caregivers a rest from their caregiving responsibilities.