FAQ

Hospice is a program of health care and services designed to meet the unique needs of patients and their loved ones when the patient is diagnosed with a condition for which they choose not to pursue aggressive treatment.

Hospice care profoundly enhances the quality of life by focusing on comfort, dignity, and support. Its primary goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their care. Our clinical staff are highly skilled experts in pain management and symptom control, dedicated to providing compassionate care. They are also committed to educating patients and caregivers, ensuring they feel supported and confident throughout the journey.

• Skilled nurses, specially trained in pain and symptom management, available 24/7
• Social workers to provide counseling and connect families with community resources
• Certified Home Health Aides and Homemakers
• Chaplains offering spiritual support as needed
• Volunteers who assist through visits, letter writing, reading, or shopping

Care is provided by a dedicated team of professionals who address the patient’s physical, medical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The team includes the patient’s attending physician, the hospice medical director, registered nurses, LVNs, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, and trained volunteers.

Starting hospice care is easy with just one phone call. Referrals can come from the attending physician, family members, friends, clergy, hospital discharge planners, social workers, or anyone involved in the patient’s care. We will then contact the physician for approval, and services will begin immediately.

Hospice care is designed to provide comfort and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families. To qualify for hospice, the following criteria typically apply:

1. Medical Eligibility

• The patient has a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease follows its natural course (as certified by a physician).
• Common conditions that may qualify include:
  • Advanced cancer
  • End-stage heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease
  • Neurological conditions like ALS or advanced dementia
  • Stroke or other debilitating conditions

2. Focus on Comfort, Not Cure

• The patient and family choose to prioritize comfort care over curative treatments.
• The goal is to enhance quality of life by managing pain and other symptoms effectively.

3. Individualized Needs

• Patients of any age, background, or condition can qualify if their needs align with hospice care.
• Each care plan is tailored to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient.

4. Care Team Assessment

• Our hospice team will work with the patient’s doctor to assess their needs and determine eligibility.

If you’re uncertain about whether hospice is the right choice, we are here to help. Our compassionate team can provide a no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and help you decide the best course of action for your loved one.

We provide basic medical equipment, supplies, and medications related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis.

• Physicians
• Hospital staff
• Family members and friends
• Individuals

At Light Beam Hospice, we believe everyone deserves compassionate care at the end of life, regardless of financial circumstances. Hospice care is often covered by various funding sources to ensure patients and families can focus on what matters most: comfort and peace. Below are the most common ways hospice care is paid for:

1. Medicare

Hospice care is fully covered under Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) for eligible patients. This coverage includes:

• Services provided by doctors, nurses, and hospice aides.
• Medications related to the terminal illness.
• Medical equipment like hospital beds and wheelchairs.
• Counseling and grief support for patients and their families.

Eligibility:Patients must meet Medicare’s hospice criteria, including a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician.

2. Medicaid

For patients enrolled in Medicaid, hospice care is also fully covered, including:

• Medical care and support services.
• Medications and supplies related to the terminal condition.
• Bereavement counseling for families.

3. Private Insurance

Many private health insurance plans offer hospice coverage. Benefits may vary, but they typically include:

• Hospice team services.
• Medications and equipment necessary for comfort care.
• In-home and inpatient care options.

Tip: Check with your insurance provider to understand specific benefits and requirements.

4. Charity and Financial Assistance

For patients who do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, Light Beam Hospice works with charitable organizations and community resources to provide financial assistance or subsidized care. We are committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to compassionate hospice services.

5. Out-of-Pocket Payments

In some cases, families may choose to pay for hospice services directly. Our team is available to discuss costs and create a plan that fits your needs and budget.

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

Navigating hospice care coverage can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced staff will work with you to verify your benefits, explain costs, and guide you through every step of the process.

Contact us today at (818) 290-3860 or support@lightbeamhospiceinc.com to discuss your hospice care options.

At Light Beam Hospice, we strive to make the admission process simple and stress-free for patients and their families. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Initial Contact
  📞 Call us at (818) 290-3860 or email us at support@lightbeamhospiceinc.com to inquire about services and schedule a consultation.
• Step 2: Referral
  📄 Obtain a physician referral (our team can assist if needed).
• Step 3: Evaluation
  🩺 Our team conducts an assessment of the patient’s medical history and condition to determine eligibility.
• Step 4: Plan of Care
  📝 Collaborate with the patient, family, and physician to create a personalized care plan.
• Step 5: Admission
  ✅ Complete the admission process, including necessary paperwork and coordination of services (medications, durable medical equipment, hygiene supplies, etc.).
• Step 6: Ongoing Support
  💖 Begin receiving hospice care, with 24/7 access to our team for support and emergencies.

Contact us today to begin the process and ensure you or your loved one receives the care, comfort, and compassion you deserve.