Hospice FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions about hospice care to help you understand its purpose and benefits. If you have any additional hospice questions, please contact us -- we're here to help.

• What is hospice care?
• Does hospice care hasten death?
• Is hospice only for people who are dying?
• Who is best suited for hospice care?
• Is hospice the same as giving up?
• Should we wait for the doctor to suggest hospice?
• When is the best time to start hospice care?
• Who pays for hospice care?
• Can you leave the hospice program after starting?
• Is hospice a place?
• Does hospice only care for cancer patients?
• Is hospice only for housebound or bed-ridden people?
• Does hospice “dope people up” so they become addicted or sleep all the time?
• How Do I Contact Crossroads for hospice services?

• What is hospice care?

  Hospice care is a philosophy that focuses on providing comfort and support rather than curing an illness. It’s patient-centered, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. A dedicated hospice team works with the patient and their family to enhance the quality of life during the time they have left.
  Back To Top
• Does hospice care hasten death?

  Hospice does not hasten death. Instead, it is about celebrating what time the patient has left, and making them as comfortable as possible. 

  Back To Top
• Is hospice only for people who are dying?

  Hospice care is designed for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician. However, this doesn’t mean the patient will pass away within that timeframe—many live longer and continue to receive hospice care if eligibility criteria are met.  
   
  Learn more about whether hospice is only for the dying.

  Back To Top
• Who is best suited for hospice care?

  Patients with serious, life-limiting conditions such as late-stage cancer, advanced heart disease, COPD, or dementia often benefit most from hospice. Hospice is ideal for individuals prioritizing comfort and quality of life over curative treatments.

  Wondering if hospice is a good fit for you or a loved one? Take the hospice eligibility quiz now or learn more about hospice eligibility criteria.

  Back To Top
• Is hospice the same as giving up?

  No, choosing hospice does not mean giving up—it's about shifting the focus to comfort, connection, and meaningful moments. Hospice care allows patients and their families to make the most of their time together by expertly managing symptoms and reducing distress. This approach helps patients live their final months with dignity, focusing on what truly matters most. 
   
  As one patient expressed, "I'd rather spend my time with my children and grandchildren than waste my limited time and energy driving to the treatment center and recovering beside the toilet bowl." 
   
  Hospice care is a team effort, guided by skilled nurses, case managers, home health aides, social workers, and chaplains. Together, they provide the support needed to strengthen relationships, resolve old conflicts, and create lasting memories. 
   
  Far from being an act of surrender, hospice empowers families to live fully during one of life’s most challenging transitions, fostering love, resilience, and connection. 

   

  Back To Top
• Should we wait for the doctor to suggest hospice?

  Not necessarily. Doctors may wait for families to bring up hospice care, leading to delayed enrollment. If you believe your loved one could benefit from symptom management or emotional support, ask their doctor about hospice. Starting sooner often results in better quality of life for both patients and families.

  Back To Top
• When is the best time to start hospice care?

  Most patients and families who receive hospice care say they wish they had started hospice sooner, as  because they needed the help much sooner.the support and resources provided often make a significant difference. Starting hospice early ensures better physical, emotional, and spiritual support for both the patient and their loved ones. 
   
  Research shows that hospice not only improves the quality of life but may also extend it. Experts recommend beginning hospice care at least two to three months before a patient’s condition begins to decline significantly. Early enrollment allows families to access services such as pain and symptom management, personal care assistance, emotional and spiritual guidance, and 24/7 access to caregiving advice. 
   
  If you believe your loved one could benefit from these services, or if managing their care has become overwhelming, speak with your physician about whether hospice care might be appropriate. Don’t wait—starting sooner can provide the meaningful support you need.  
   
  Learn more about recognizing the right time to begin hospice. 

  Back To Top
• Who pays for hospice care?

  Hospice care is primarily covered by:

  • Medicare (if the patient meets eligibility criteria, including a terminal illness diagnosis). 
  • Medicaid (coverage varies by state). 
  • Private insurance (check with your provider for details). 

  These programs typically cover most hospice services, including medical supplies and medications related to the terminal illness.  
   
  Learn more about who pays for hospice care. 

  Back To Top
• Can you leave the hospice program after starting?

  Yes. Patients can leave hospice if they choose to pursue curative treatments, explore experimental options, or no longer meet the eligibility criteria. They can re-enroll in hospice care later if needed. Learn more about when and how a patient is discharged from hospice

  Back To Top
• Is hospice a place?

  No, hospice is not a place. Hospice is a service, not a location. Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient lives—whether at home, in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or hospital. There are dedicated hospice facilities, but patients and families tend to prefer being in their own home. 

  Back To Top
• Does hospice only care for cancer patients?

  No. Hospice care supports patients with any end-stage terminal illness, including but not limited to:

  • ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) 
  • Cancer 
  • COPD 
  • Congestive Heart Failure 
  • Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) / Stroke 
  • Dementia 
  • Diabetes 
  • HIV/AIDS 
  • Kidney Failure 
  • Liver Disease 
  • Lung Cancer  
  • Neurological Conditions (Parkinson’s, MS, Huntington’s Disease) 
  • Pancreatic Cancer  
  • Sepsis 
  Back To Top
• Is hospice only for housebound or bed-ridden people?

  No. Many hospice patients continue to live active, meaningful lives. Hospice care is tailored to the patient’s needs and can be provided in any setting.

  Back To Top
• Does hospice “dope people up” so they become addicted or sleep all the time?

  No. Hospice professionals carefully manage medications to control pain while keeping patients as alert and comfortable as possible. Addiction is not a concern when pain relief is medically necessary.  Learn more about hospice myths.

  Back To Top
• How Do I Contact Crossroads for hospice services?

  Hospice care is about living life to the fullest, even in the face of terminal illness. If you have additional hospice questions or want to learn more about hospice services, contact us today at 855-327-4677, through another contact method in the help bar above, or explore our service areas to find help near you. We’re here to guide and support you.

  Back To Top