Question 1

What is hospice?

Accepted Answer

Hospice is specialized care for people with a life-limiting illness when the focus shifts from cure to comfort, quality of life, and support for the patient and family.

Question 2

Does hospice mean giving up?

Accepted Answer

No. Hospice means choosing comfort and dignity. Many patients live more fully on hospice with better symptom control and support.

Question 3

Can I keep my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Patients may keep their attending physician, who continues to work with the hospice team.

Question 4

Can hospice be provided in a nursing facility?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hospice can be provided in a private home, assisted living community, or nursing facility.

Question 5

Can hospice be provided at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is the most common setting. The hospice team visits intermittently and is available 24/7 for hospice concerns.

Question 6

What if the patient improves?

Accepted Answer

If a patient's condition improves and they no longer meet hospice criteria, they can be discharged and re-elect hospice later if appropriate.

Question 7

Can hospice be stopped?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A patient or authorized representative may revoke hospice at any time.

Question 8

Who qualifies for hospice?

Accepted Answer

A physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its usual course, the patient elects hospice, and the focus shifts to comfort care for the terminal illness and related conditions.

Question 9

Does a doctor have to approve hospice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A physician certification is required to establish hospice eligibility.

Question 10

Can I call before I am sure?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Call (605) 389-3141 for a no-pressure conversation about whether hospice may be appropriate.

Question 11

Does Medicare cover hospice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers hospice services for eligible patients. Most private insurance and Medicaid plans also cover hospice.

Question 12

What does hospice cover?

Accepted Answer

Nursing, aide, social work, chaplain, volunteer, and medical director services; medications, durable medical equipment, and supplies related to the terminal illness and related conditions.

Question 13

Does hospice cover room and board?

Accepted Answer

Hospice typically does not cover room and board in nursing facilities or assisted living settings. Coverage depends on insurance and setting.

Question 14

Does hospice provide 24/7 bedside care?

Accepted Answer

Hospice provides intermittent visits and 24/7 phone availability, but does not provide continuous bedside or sitter services as part of routine care.

Question 15

Are medications covered?

Accepted Answer

Medications related to the terminal illness and related conditions are typically covered as part of the hospice plan of care.

Question 16

Is equipment covered?

Accepted Answer

Durable medical equipment related to the terminal illness is typically covered as part of the plan of care.

Question 17

When should I call hospice?

Accepted Answer

Call for new or worsening symptoms, medication questions, equipment concerns, signs that death may be near, or any time you are unsure what to do.

Question 18

What happens after hours?

Accepted Answer

A nurse is available 24/7 for hospice-related concerns. Call (605) 389-3141 any time.

Question 19

What happens when death occurs?

Accepted Answer

For an expected hospice death, call Black Hills Hospice — not 911 — unless there is a public safety emergency. Hospice will guide the next steps.

Question 20

Does hospice help after death?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bereavement services are available for family members and loved ones for at least 13 months.

Question 21

How long is bereavement support available?

Accepted Answer

At least 13 months following the patient's death.

Question 22

How do I make a referral?

Accepted Answer

Call (605) 389-3141 24/7, fax (605) 702-6936, or use our online provider referral form.

Question 23

Can you admit quickly?

Accepted Answer

We respond rapidly and coordinate with patient, family, physician, and facility to admit as quickly as is clinically appropriate.

Question 24

How do you coordinate with facilities?

Accepted Answer

We partner with facility staff who continue routine caregiving while our team manages the hospice plan of care.

Question 25

How do you communicate with physicians?

Accepted Answer

We keep attending physicians informed of condition changes and coordinate the plan of care closely.

Hospice Questions, Answered Clearly

General Hospice

Eligibility

Coverage

Family Support

Providers

Unsure whether it is time for hospice?