Hospice care is an option for those with terminal malignant mesothelioma. While many people believe that hospice care refers only to end-of-life care in a hospice setting, the reality is that the hospice model offers many services that can help both the terminally ill patient and their families to deal with the physical, medical, emotional, and psychological realities of the situation.

Hospice services may be offered in a hospice, a hospital setting, a skilled nursing facility, or at home. The majority of a hospice patient's time is typically spent at home. Those services include medical care, psychological counseling, and spiritual support for both patients and their families. The services are provided by medical professionals, clergy, and volunteers who are there to ensure patients and their families have all the services, support, and comfort they need.

Hospice workers deliver palliative care, which is medical care that is meant to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, but is not expected to cure the underlying disease. The aim of hospice care is to keep a patient comfortable and alert, as well as assist the patient and their family in facing death with peace and dignity.

Will Insurance Cover Hospice Care?

Hospice care expenses are often covered by medical insurance, Medicare, the Veterans Administration, and by Medicaid in many states. Often, medical insurers will cover hospice care because it is less expensive than traditional hospital care. However, coverage varies by insurer, so any questions about insurance coverage for hospice care should be addressed directly to the insurer.

Where Can I Learn More About Hospice Programs in My Area?

Check with your oncologist or another medical professional to learn about hospice care options in your area. Your local hospital can also provide information about in-home hospice programs and in-hospital hospice programs. If you have a social worker or case manager, they may also be able to provide information about hospice care programs that accept patients with terminal malignant mesothelioma.

What is Required to Qualify for Hospice Care?

The conditions for entry into a hospice program vary from program to program. Generally, programs make decisions on a case by case basis. Most often, patients admitted into hospice programs have six months or less left to live.

What Sort of Services Does Hospice Care Provide?

Hospice locations and hospice services provide medical care for the patient as well as social, psychological, and spiritual support for the patient and the patient's family. The hospice workers may include doctors, nurses, and health aides, as well as personal care attendants to physically care for the patient. A hospice service may offer case management services to help the family and the patient access other required community services such as delivered meals, day care, and transportation. Hospice services will often provide respite care so caregivers can attend to their own needs during the illness. Family and patients will have access to trained grief counselors and clergy, and may be invited to participate in grief and emotional support groups.

Finally, hospice care doesn't end when a patient passes away. Most stay involved with the family and keep in touch with caregivers for a year or more after a patient dies. Many also run bereavement support groups for those who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma and other illnesses, which are open to anyone whether or not they were involved in the hospice program.

Sources:

http://www.hospicenet.org/
http://www.hospicefoundation.org/
http://www.nahc.org/
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3x_Hospice_Care.asp?sitearea=MBC

Mesothelioma News

Mesothelioma Study Provides Reason for More Research
2008-11-21 15:10:10
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most commonly develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). However, other areas of the body that have also been known ...Read More
Mesothelioma Survivor Releases Inspirational Book
2008-09-24 11:20:56
In October 2001, James O'Conner was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. At that time, he was told he had only a few months to ...Read More
Mesothelioma Patients in Libby Have Little Time to Take Advantage of Free Asbestos Screening
2008-09-05 15:12:39
The deadline for Libby's free asbestos screening is fast approaching. In 2003, the Montana Asbestos Screening and Surveillance Activities program was formed in response to a request from the residents ...Read More