Experiences with Medicare and Home Hospice?

Options
Meowycat
Meowycat Member Posts: 66
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Mom is being admitted again to the hospital because her CEA is off the chart and she basically was shaking/almost falling for days. She has said to me that she feels like her mind and body are not connected. She also says she feels like "someone" is touching her on her arm. This has made me very concerned. The oncologist seems to be leaning for us to start Hospice as she seems to be taking a turn for the worse and chemo is not helping. At this point in time my father and I want to do home hospice. I don't want to send her out to a hospice facility.

My question is:

Has anyone had expereince with Medicare and what the cover/do not cover for home hospice. I have been researching home hospice options and I am completely overwhelmed right now. I'm sure the social worker at the hospital will hammer things out, but I just trust you all more. I am hearing that the social security benefit is taken towards hospice but what has me upset is that I heard that if she has savings/checking in her name they basically try to wipe that out too. Is this true? Any suggestions?

 

Huggies,

A Very Sad

Nellie

 

Comments

  • Mrs. Sarge
    Mrs. Sarge Member Posts: 206 Member
    #2
    Options
    Hospice info

    I'm usually on the head & Neck board but wanted to say about Hospice, that when my Mother was put on hospice that Medicare paid for EVERYTHING; from meds, bed, oxygen if needed, bandages, wipes, anything needed to make them comfortable.  Not 1 dime of her meager savings was touched nor her Social Security checks.  Just our experience.  This was home hospice.  Don't know about a hospice facility.  Others will probably give info on that.  Hope this helps.  Hospice is amazing!!!

  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    #3
    Options
    Hi,I'm so sorry to hear

    Hi,

    I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's condition, I know how hard it can be. I don't know about hospice rules in regard to payments, it may be different from nursing home care.  I know for a fact that if your mother was to enter a nursing home under Medicare, they would indeed take all of her checking, savings,  stocks, house, car.... anything that belongs to her. Which is one reason my mother is now living with me.  So much for saving for the golden years of retirement and giving your kids a little inheritance.  They will take it all.  But the hospital administrator should be able to answer all of your questions in that regard since they do it all the time.

    Best wishes

     

  • ketziah35
    ketziah35 Member Posts: 1,145
    #4
    Options
    From me helping a friend

    I am sorry that your mothers situation is not getting better.  PAsk for a not for profit hospice which should pay 100 percent. Nursing homes tap into your savings not HospIce. It costs nothing to die in this country, but harder to find money to live. 

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #5
    Options
    Hospice care at home

    When my sister's illness became more than the family could handle, we called our local Hospice,  While they do have a limited number of rooms available, many opt for in home care as we did.

    With this option, you do not have 24 hr care.  They made arrangements for all the furniture and accessories we needed to keep sis comfortable.  Nurses, care givers and doctors come on a schedule, but can be called 24/7 if needed.  They also see that comfort care meds are brought in.  They helped the family to understand what to expect.

    I beleive Medicare does cover the medical care, meds and durable equipment provided by Hospice.  There are costs which may not be covered.

    Your best information will come from the Hospice folks.  You can call them, tell them your situation and find out about the financial things and actual care.  You don't have to wait to explore this option.

    Prayers for your Mom and family,

    Marie who loves kitties

     

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    #6
    Options
    ketziah35 said:

    From me helping a friend

    I am sorry that your mothers situation is not getting better.  PAsk for a not for profit hospice which should pay 100 percent. Nursing homes tap into your savings not HospIce. It costs nothing to die in this country, but harder to find money to live. 

    info available on web

     

    Here is the government web page regarding what they pay http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-and-respite-care.html

    Here is the web page for a more detailed booklet on such services.  http://www.medicare.gov/publications/Pubs/pdf/02154.pdf

    If finances are an issue, be sure to let them know.  There is financial assistance available if she qualifies.

     

  • Meowycat
    Meowycat Member Posts: 66
    #7
    Options
    Lovekitties said:

    info available on web

     

    Here is the government web page regarding what they pay http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hospice-and-respite-care.html

    Here is the web page for a more detailed booklet on such services.  http://www.medicare.gov/publications/Pubs/pdf/02154.pdf

    If finances are an issue, be sure to let them know.  There is financial assistance available if she qualifies.

     

    Thank You!

    Thank you all for your insight and advice.

    P.S. Lovekitties-thank your for the links and the advice. You are amazing.

     

Discussion Boards