Hospice began as a response to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families faced with a life-limiting illness. And yet today, many people are unaware that this support is available. In fact, only one in three eligible patients and their families experience the benefits of hospice care. A big reason for this is a lack of understanding. Take the following "true or false?" quiz to test your knowledge of the hospice benefit.

Hospice is 100% covered by most insurances.
True. Hospice is a fully covered Medicare benefit for all eligible patients, with no out-of-pocket expense. Hospice also is fully covered by most Medicaid and commercial insurances.

Hospice is a place.
False. Hospice is not a place - it's a service. Hospice brings physical, emotional, and spiritual care and support to wherever our patients call home. This can be a personal residence, nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, or other location of choice.

Hospice only provides care and support for the patient.
False. Hospice care is designed to support the entire family. In fact, hospice doesn't stop with the patient. VistaCare offers bereavement services for 13 months following the passing of a loved one, providing valuable counseling and support.

Hospice helps patients with all kinds of illnesses - not just cancer.
True. Hospice is not just for cancer patients. Hospice is designed to provide care to anyone in the last six months of life. This care is extended to both the individual patient and to the family.

Hospice only helps patients for the last week of life.
False. Hospice is not just for the last few days or weeks of life. The benefit is designed to provide care for the last six months of life.

Hospice brings an entire team of professionals to wherever a patient calls home.
True. Hospice isn't just one person. It's a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, nursing assistants, volunteers, and other professionals who work together to meet the individual needs of each patient and family.

In order to qualify for hospice, a patient has to give up hope.
False. Hospice doesn't mean giving up hope or current treatments. VistaCare recognizes the value of hope and the importance of faith.

Hospice is available 24 hours a day.
True. Hospice is caring and support that is available at all times. VistaCare staff members are accessible to patients and families 24 hours a day.

All hospices are the same.
False. Just like with hospitals, physicians, and other professional services, all hospices are not the same. Different hospices have different levels of expertise, philosophies of care, and approaches to supporting patients and families. (Learn more about the VistaCare difference.)

VistaCare cares for all eligible patients, no matter what.
True. Hospice should not be restrictive. VistaCare believes there should be no barriers to high-quality end-of-life care and accepts anyone who is eligible for hospice, regardless of the complexity of the care needs.

For more information and to learn whether hospice might be the right answer for you or a loved one, visit our "Is Hospice the Answer?" page on-line or call VistaCare at 1-866-VISTACARE (847-8222).