What to know about hospice and palliative care in Wisconsin
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Experts say many people don't receive hospice care they qualify for due to a societal taboo surrounding the topic. Hospice care focuses on making patients more comfortable by treating symptoms instead of trying to cure an illness, and can be provided in various settings, including at home.
Hospice care is often misunderstood, with some people believing it's a place or a sign of giving up. In reality, it's a model of care that can be provided in various settings, including at home, nursing homes, and hospitals. The goal of hospice is to make patients more comfortable by treating symptoms instead of trying to cure an illness. To be eligible for hospice care under Medicare, patients must have a life expectancy of six months or less, as verified by two physicians, and be willing to pursue comfort-focused treatments. Palliative care is a related philosophy and medical specialty that focuses on alleviating suffering, and can be accessed earlier in a diagnosis and while receiving curative treatments. When choosing a hospice provider, experts recommend asking about their experience, response time, relationships with nearby providers, and grief support services.
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