Oregon Hospice care: How to pay for Hospice Care, Licensing and Regulations, and Questions to ask
Oregon is an attractive place for aging adults. The climate provides residents with the majesty of all four seasons. The economy is growing quickly and the healthcare system is well run. Hospice care in Oregon works with the patient’s physician to provide care under a plan of treatment designed by the team in conjunction with the patient and the family. Hospice care is a concept of care, not a specific place of care. It is for those who have been living with a terminal illness or only recently received a serious diagnosis of six months or less life expectancy. This specific type of care is there to ease the burden of 24-hour care. It provides a respectful, comfortable care setting for your loved one’s final months and weeks or days. This is an option can be especially helpful for families and seniors without family to provide end-of-life care.
- Oregon Hospice care: How to pay for Hospice Care, Licensing and Regulations, and Questions to ask
- Laws and Regulations for hospice care in Oregon
- Questions and inquiries
- Signs it may be time to look into hospice care
- What is Palliative care and respite care and how are they different from hospice?
- How to pay for Hospice Care?
- Who Pays for Palliative Care?
- Resources and Links – Oregon
- Search other areas for Hospice Care
These are some of the most common illnesses in hospice care:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Lung disease
- Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
- Liver disease
- Kidney failure
- ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
Signs it may be time to look into hospice care
What is Palliative care and respite care and how are they different from hospice?
Let’s discuss what makes them different:
Palliative Care
Palliative care refers to any care that alleviates symptoms, whether there is hope of a cure by other means or not. Both palliative care and hospice care are intended to provide comfort for the individual and family. This care focuses on easing pain and discomfort to help people have the highest possible quality of life. It is appropriate at any stage of life, not just end of life.
Respite care
Taking care of a loved one who is terminally ill can be exhausting and emotionally draining for family members, and especially if family members are the caregivers. Respite care provides relief for those looking after the terminally ill individual. They may be checked into temporary hospice and provide a much needed break for family caregivers.
Hospice
Hospice care is an option for people who have a life expectancy of six months or less. In place of ongoing curative measures, hospice involves palliative care (pain and symptom relief), enabling the individual to live their final days with purpose, grace, dignity, and support from family and staff. The purpose is for the individual to spend their final days in a comfortable, familiar environment, with their loved ones enabling them to focus their attention with help of staff. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities offer hospice care on-site – however, it is most often provided in the person’s home.
Laws and Regulations for hospice care in Oregon
All hospice care in Oregon must be licensed by the Oregon Public Health Division within the Oregon Health Authority. All employees, volunteers and contractors that have direct contact with patients or access to patient records will be required to ensure completion of background checks. They will be rechecked every three years.
Medicare’s benefit regulations incorporate the following ideals:
- Must be licensed in the state they operate.
- The person receiving care and their family know of their terminal condition.
- Additional medical treatment and intervention only on a supportive basis.
- Pain control should be available to the person as needed.
- Trained volunteers should provide additional support as required.
State regulations
Regulations address requirements for hospices contracting with state Medicaid programs and the rules pertaining to patients. Visit https://www.hospicealliance.org/ to see each states codes and how they apply to care regulations.
How to pay for Hospice Care?
Medicare, private health insurance, and Medicaid (in 43 states) covers hospice care for patients who meet eligibility criteria.
Private insurance and veterans’ benefits may also cover hospice care under certain conditions. In addition, some hospice programs offer healthcare services on a sliding fee scale basis for patients with limited income and resources. To get help with your Medicare questions call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov. Additional information about how to pay for hospice care can be found at the Public Policy Institute of the AARP.
Who Pays for Palliative Care?
Medicare, Medicaid, many insurers, and healthcare plans will cover the medical portions—physician and nurse services—of palliative care.
Veterans may be eligible for palliative care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Check with your doctor and healthcare plan to see what insurance will cover in your particular situation. Unlike the comprehensive hospice benefit, there is no comprehensive palliative care benefit.
Questions and inquiries
Hospice is only for those who have cancer, right?
No. It is for anyone with a terminal illness who has been given a prognosis by their doctor of six months or less.
Only elderly people use these services.
It is for all age groups during the final stages of their life. The intention is to allow people to enjoy the closeness of family and a comfortable environment in the last stages of their life.
People in hospice die immediately, don’t they?
This care does not hasten death or prolong life. Though, studies have shown people often live longer than those with the same or similar illnesses who do not choose hospice.
Aren’t all hospices the same?
The United States offers thousands of hospices. Most engage in Medicare, which requires certain services for the person in care. So, there is a standard operating procedure.
How can I afford care? It must be expensive.
Hospice care is covered by Medicare Part A, and your personal insurance.
Hospice is only provided in the individual’s home, right?
Care is provided wherever the person is, which could be a long-term care facility or a hospital. Being take care of at home is always an option.
Resources and Links – Oregon
Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a free service available to residents, families, facility staff, and the general public.
Oregon Abuse Reporting Line for Children and Adults – To report elder abuse, please contact 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). State law protects the confidentiality of all people reporting abuse and anyone who reports suspected abuse in good faith. The department also accepts anonymous complaints of abuse or neglect.
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon-Elders Program – Caregiver Programs, Case Management, Home Health Services, Emergency Response System, Employment Services, Legal Assistance, Home Repair, Home Modification, Information and Referral/Assistance, Home Delivered Meals, Congregate Meals, Personal Care, Respite Care, Government-Assisted Housing, Sr. Center Programs
Nursing Facility Complaint Unit– If you suspect a nursing facility resident was neglected or abused, please contact the Nursing Facility Complaint Unit
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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