It may be time to consider hospice when a loved one’s health is declining, symptoms are becoming harder to manage, treatments are no longer helping, or comfort has become the main goal. Families do not need to wait until the final days or hours to ask for hospice support.

A patient may qualify when a physician determines that they have a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of six months or less if the illness follows its expected course. The hospice team can help review the situation and guide families through the eligibility process.

Yes. Hospice care is commonly provided wherever the patient calls home, including a private residence, assisted living community, or nursing facility. The goal is to help the patient remain comfortable in a familiar setting whenever possible.

Caritas Hospice provides support that may include skilled nursing, pain and symptom management, hospice aide services, medical social work, chaplain care, volunteer support, bereavement support, medications related to the hospice diagnosis, medical supplies, and durable medical equipment.

Yes. Caritas Hospice is here for families 24/7. If symptoms change or a concern comes up after hours, families can call for guidance and support

The hospice team may include a medical director, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers, therapists when appropriate, and bereavement support staff. The team works together around the patient’s care plan.

In many cases, yes. The patient may continue to have their personal physician involved in care, while the hospice team provides added support focused on comfort and symptom management

No. Hospice supports patients with many life-limiting illnesses, including heart disease, lung disease, dementia, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological conditions, cancer, and other serious illnesses

Palliative care focuses on comfort and symptom relief at any stage of serious illness and may be provided alongside curative treatment. Hospice care is for patients who meet eligibility criteria and are choosing comfort-focused care rather than curative treatment for the terminal illness.

For eligible patients, Medicare Part A generally covers hospice care related to the terminal illness, including many services, medications, supplies, and equipment connected to the hospice plan of care. Coverage may also be available through Medicaid, VA benefits, or private insurance depending on the patient’s plan.

Hospice may cover nursing visits, physician oversight, hospice aide support, social work, chaplain support, counseling, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical supplies, and equipment such as a hospital bed, oxygen, wheelchair, or bedside commode when included in the care plan.

Hospice generally does not cover room and board in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or residential care setting. It covers hospice services related to the terminal illness. Families should confirm details based on the patient’s insurance and living situation

A referral can be started by a family member, physician, hospital, facility, case manager, or the patient. Contact Caritas Hospice at 214-506-8422 or send referral information to referral@caritashospice.org.

The timing depends on the patient’s needs, eligibility, and required paperwork, but hospice care can often begin quickly once the referral is received and the patient is evaluated.

Caritas Hospice serves patients and families in Dallas-Fort Worth and surrounding Texas communities. To confirm service availability for a specific location, call 214-506-8422.