How Long Can a Person be in Hospice Care

Posted on July 4, 2017

Hospice care in South Florida is a service provided for individuals who are nearing the end of their life. It is designed to provide comfort, rather than a cure. Those who work in the hospice field provide compassionate and comprehensive care for the patient, as well as their family.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness may be considered eligible for hospice palliative care. Any citizen in the United States who is over the age of 65 and who are entitled to Medicare coverage can receive hospice care in South Florida at the end of their life.

Average Length of Time Someone Spends in Hospice Care

According to information from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the average length a person stays in hospice care has gone down to 67.4 from 69.5, which was the average in 2008. Only 12 percent of people remain in hospice for over 180 days, and half of all patients spend 19.7 or fewer days in hospice care.

How Long can a Person Receive Care

When it comes to receiving hospice care in South Florida, there is no set cap on the amount of time a person can receive care. As long as the person’s condition remains appropriate for this care, they will receive it. While there has been some scrutiny in recent years from Medicaid regarding how long a person can receive this care, it is still a service that is provided to individuals in need.

In most cases, a person's doctor will let them or their family know when they should begin thinking about hospice care. The main goal of this service is to ensure a person is comfortable as they near the end of their life. To learn more about hospice care services, visit our website.