Americare Hospice, Inc offers specialized care for individuals facing terminal illness, providing medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of patient care.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIAIn order to begin hospice and palliative care, patients must meet certain eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Eligibility criteria for hospice and palliative care can vary depending on the specific needs of the patient and the regulations of healthcare providers. You may contact us for assistance in determining eligibility. Additionally, the hospice medical director or hospice physician in collaboration with the patient’s attending physician, if any, determine if the patient is eligible.
Below are some general guidelines for eligibility requirements in each service area:
There are also medical criteria that a person must meet to qualify for hospice services. To qualify, a patient must:
HOSPICE ELIGIBILITYNormally, hospice services are provided when a patient has a terminal illness or other prognosis that may result in life expectancy of six months or less (Patients may receive services for longer if the illness does not run its normal course).
When the family or patient elects the hospice benefit.
The patient chooses to receive palliative rather than curative treatment, focusing on comfort and quality of life.
The patient has had multiple hospitalizations or emergency room visits in the past six months.
The patient shows significant decline in their ability to perform activities of daily living (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating).
The patient has recurrent infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections.
Increased pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and other symptoms that affect the quality of life, among other things.
PALLIATIVE CARE ELIGIBILITYThe patient has a serious, chronic, or life-threatening illness such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, or neurological conditions.
The patient needs help managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, breathlessness, fatigue, depression, or anxiety.
The patient frequently uses medical services such as emergency rooms, hospitals, or clinics.
The patient requires additional support to understand treatment options and to make decisions about their care.
The patient has complex medical needs that require coordination of care among multiple healthcare providers.
The patient and family are looking to improve or maintain quality of life alongside curative treatments.
Our Services
Hospice care is a benefit which includes expert, compassionate individualized care which focuses on personal goals and optimizes quality of life for people facing life-limiting illness. Care is delivered wherever you or your loved one calls home.
HOSPICE SERVICES
Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness. It is designed to improve quality of life for the patient and their family by addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
PALLIATIVE CARE