Frequently Asked Questions
Hospice Care
Where is hospice care provided?
- Hospice care is provided in the home, or in the place you call home, like a senior living campus, assisted living or independent living facility. Our hospice team partners with your caregivers to help coordinate care and ensure your needs are met. Short-term care for the treatment of uncontrolled symptoms is provided at one of our five Inpatient Care Centers.
- Hospice of Cincinnati cares for patients in Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, Warren, Clinton, Brown and Preble counties.
Is hospice care right for you?
Is hospice care a covered benefit?
- Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.
How do I ensure my end of life goals are met?
- We partner with you to help define what is most important to create a care plan that best meets the physical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual needs of you and your family.
Who is included in the hospice care team?
- A care team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, aides, chaplains, social workers, pharmacists, holistic practitioners and volunteers provide the care you need.
What is included in my care?
- A registered nurse Support Team is available 24/7 to assist you in person or on the phone. We provide all medications related to your terminal illness and medical equipment to keep you safe and comfortable.
Advanced Illness Care
Where is care provided?
- Home-based palliative care is provided in your home, or where you call home, through PalliaCare® Cincinnati. Care can be provided in assisted living, independent living and skilled care senior living facilities. If you are in need of palliative care while in the hospital, our Hospital-Based Palliative Medicine program may be right for you.
Who can benefit from palliative care?
- PalliaCare is for anyone living with a serious illness, including heart and liver failure, lung and kidney disease, and neurological conditions, such as ALS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cancer.
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care is medical care that focuses on providing relief of the symptoms and stress of serious illness with the goal to improve the quality of life. Palliative care can be offered along with curative or other treatments you may be receiving.
- Hospice is a special kind of palliative care. It is the relief of suffering specific to those with a 6-month life expectancy. Hospice care provides expert management of symptoms such as pain, anxiety, trouble breathing, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
Can I continue to receive care while utilizing PalliaCare Cincinnati?
- While enrolled in PalliaCare, you may continue to see your regular doctors and specialists, receive aggressive, curative treatment for your disease, and use home health services.
Who pays for palliative care?
- PalliaCare Cincinnati is billed to your insurance company just like a doctor’s visit. Co-pays may apply.
Grief Services
What kinds of grief services are offered?
- We provide grief services for those whose loved one was under the care of Hospice of Cincinnati, and to the community. Types of grief services include individual and family counseling, anticipatory grief counseling before the death of your loved one, adult grief support groups and non-denominational memorial services. Contact us at 513-891-7700 to learn more.
Is there a charge for grief services offered?
- No – our grief services are provided free of charge.
Do you offer grief services for children?
- Yes – Fernside, an affiliate of Hospice of Cincinnati, offers bereavement programming and support groups for children ages 3-18 and their parents or guardians. Learn more at Fernside.org or call 513-246-9140.