Frequently Asked Questions

Hospice is end-of-life comfort and medical care for those with a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice covers everything related to your illness including medications, a hospital bed, medical equipment for mobility, and visits by hospice staff. Hospice is about improving your quality of life physically, emotionally, and spiritually during your final days, weeks, or months of life.

A patient can be admitted to hospice at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your loved one may be eligible for hospice care if they have a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of six months or less as determined by the individual’s medical provider.

If a patient is determined to be eligible for hospice services as determined by Medicare guidelines, the patient is initially certified for 6 months. If you receive hospice care, and live longer than 6 months, you can continue to get hospice care as long as you still meet the Medicare requirements.

Hospice care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and almost all private insurance policies. It is important to understand that at Knute Nelson, no patient is denied care based on coverage status or inability to pay.

Individuals can receive hospice care wherever they call home. This may include a residential home, nursing facility, or long-term care setting. Knute Nelson Hospice will collaborate with all facilities where our patients reside to ensure a high level of care.

We have nurses on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patients and their families have support whenever they may need it.

Yes. Counseling and grief support for families are an essential part of Knute Nelson Hospice. Your hospice care team will support your family emotionally and spiritually throughout your hospice journey and beyond. This includes bereavement support for at least 13 months following your passing. This might include phone calls, visits, materials about grieving, and support groups. We can also provide counseling or refer a family member to a community source to aide in their grieving journey.

Visitation frequency by your hospice team will vary depending on your condition, needs, and preferences. Your hospice nurse will regularly visit to monitor your condition, provide care, and ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Other members of the hospice team may visit according to your needs.

Members of your care team might include:

• Medical Director

• Registered Nurses

• Licensed Practical Nurses

• Home Health Aides

• Social services

• Spiritual care providers

• Trained volunteers

• Physical, occupational, or speech therapists

• Life-enriching service providers