Determining Your Need

When is hospice care right for you?

Choosing hospice care is a difficult and sensitive decision. But hospice care can be a rewarding, peaceful transitional journey to life's end. Here are a few guidelines to help you determine if hospice is the right choice for you or your loved one.

• You choose to have comfort care rather than curative treatment.
• You want to stay home (or your current place of residence, i.e., nursing home, assisted living) rather than return to the hospital.
• Your medical prognosis is six months or less if the disease follows its natural course.
• You choose pain management to maximize quality of life.
• You would like a physical, emotional, spiritual care approach for you and your family.

Other things to think about

Your Doctor Talk to your doctor. Speak openly about your feelings and develop a good understanding of your doctor's philosophy about hospice care.

Your Family Share your feelings with family members. Their support will be critical. Are they willing to assist you in this decision, are they capable of doing so?

Insurance Most hospice services are covered under Medicare but Medicaid and private insurance may be available to you as well. We will be happy to review your coverage and explain your benefits.

For more information on VNACJ Hospice Services, call 800-862-3330 or Contact Us.