Frequently Asked Questions

At Aster Health, we provide a range of services designed to support patients during their healthcare journey. This includes hospice care, emotional and spiritual support, medical social work assistance, and end-of-life planning. Our compassionate team is dedicated to delivering comprehensive care tailored to each patient's needs.

During hospice care, you can expect a primary focus on comfort and quality of life. Our team will work closely with you and your loved ones to manage symptoms, provide emotional and spiritual support, and assist with any end-of-life arrangements. We aim to ensure a compassionate and supportive experience throughout the hospice journey.

If you wish to request additional services or support, please contact the Aster Health office directly. Our team will guide you through the process and ensure that any additional services you need, such as emotional support or spiritual guidance, are arranged as part of your care plan.

A patient always has the right to reinstate traditional care at any time, for any reason. If their medical condition improves or if there is no decline noted, they can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive, curative measures. If a discharged patient wants to return to hospice care, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies and HMOs will most often allow a readmission.

Hospice care is for any patient with a terminal illness, which can include end-stage heart disease, COPD, Alzheimer’s disease, and ALS, just to name a few.

Hospice care is appropriate at the time of a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less, if the disease runs its normal course, regardless of the patient's physical condition. Many times, patients who receive hospice care can continue to lead productive and rewarding lives.

Receiving hospice care does not mean that death is imminent. The earlier someone receives hospice care, the more likely we are to successfully treat the patient's symptoms and address other needs, maximizing their quality of life.

Hospice is about quality of life and hope preservation. Hospice patients are encouraged to live life to its fullest.

Most individuals who have Medicare have the Medicare Hospice Benefit, and most private insurances do too. In fact, care is provided regardless of one’s inability to pay. With Medicare or other private insurance carriers, all hospice services are provided, as well as all medications, equipment, and supplies related to the primary hospice diagnosis.

All for-profit and non-profit hospices are reimbursed the same, and all are there to help people live their lives with comfort and dignity. While the non-profit organization may reinvest "leftover" money into community programs, the core quality and availability of care at Aster Health remain consistently focused on the patient.

The patient may keep their current medications if necessary, determined on a case-by-case basis by our medical team to align with their comfort and care goals.

While you are an excellent caregiver, hospice care will provide additional support directed by you to provide a better quality of life and help you be fully present for your mom, dad, or spouse. It enhances, not replaces, your care.

Hospice care is generally provided wherever our patient calls home, such as a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or their private residence.