Hospice is medical care for a person with a terminal illness who is expected to live six months or less if the illness runs its usual course. The goal changes from curing the illness to keeping the person comfortable, managing pain and symptoms, and supporting the whole family.
Choosing hospice does not mean giving up hope. It means shifting the focus from curing an illness to providing comfort, dignity and quality of life, with more support at home and fewer trips to the hospital.
Where hospice care happens
Hospice comes to the patient. Our team visits wherever the person lives:
- Their own home or a family member’s home
- An assisted living community
- A nursing home or long-term care facility
We serve patients across San Antonio and the surrounding area.
What hospice includes
Each patient has an individualized plan of care built around their needs and wishes. A hospice team usually includes:
- A hospice physician who oversees the patient’s care and certifies hospice eligibility
- Nurses who manage pain and symptoms and teach the family what to expect, with on-call nursing support 24/7
- Hospice aides (CNAs) who help with bathing, grooming, dressing and personal care
- Social workers who help with planning, paperwork and family concerns
- Chaplains who offer spiritual support, for any faith or none
- Volunteers who provide company and give caregivers a break
- Bereavement counselors who support the family after their loss
Hospice also provides the medical equipment, supplies and medications related to the terminal illness, such as a hospital bed, a wheelchair, or medications for pain and breathing.
See the full list on our services page.
Who qualifies for hospice
Hospice eligibility is determined through a medical evaluation and physician certification in accordance with Medicare guidelines. In general, a person can receive hospice under Medicare when:
- A physician certifies that they have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course
- They choose comfort care instead of treatment to cure the illness
- They sign a statement choosing hospice care
Hospice is not only for cancer. People with heart disease, lung disease (COPD), dementia, kidney failure, stroke, ALS, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions often qualify.
Hospice care is not limited to six months. Patients may continue receiving hospice services as long as they meet Medicare’s eligibility requirements, and the hospice physician completes the required recertifications.
Who pays for hospice
Hospice care is covered by Medicare Part A, Texas Medicaid, and many private insurance plans for eligible patients.
At Elegant Hospice Care, there are no out-of-pocket costs for hospice-covered medications, medical supplies, equipment, and services related to the patient’s terminal illness and associated conditions. Call us at (210) 817-4746 and our team will verify your insurance benefits and explain your coverage.
Levels of hospice care
Elegant Hospice Care provides three levels of hospice care, so the support can change as the patient’s needs change:
- Routine home care: scheduled visits from the hospice team where the patient lives. Most hospice care is at this level.
- Continuous home care: nursing care at home for short periods during a qualifying medical crisis, when medically necessary.
- Respite care: a short inpatient stay of up to five days so the family caregiver can rest. Read more about respite care.
You stay in control
- Patients may choose to keep their current physician as their attending physician. We coordinate with them to ensure continuity of care.
- Hospice care is always a personal choice. Patients have the right to discontinue hospice services at any time, and may return to hospice in the future if they meet eligibility requirements.
- If a patient’s condition improves and they no longer meet hospice eligibility requirements, they may be discharged from hospice care.
Hospice or palliative care?
Both palliative care and hospice care focus on comfort, symptom management and quality of life. Palliative care supports people living with a serious illness and may be received alongside treatments intended to cure or manage the condition.
Hospice care is for people with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. It focuses on comfort, dignity, symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support rather than curative treatment of the terminal illness.
How to start
You do not need a referral from a physician. The patient, a family member or a doctor can call us. Our team will guide you through the evaluation process and coordinate the physician certification needed to determine hospice eligibility. Same-day evaluations are available during business hours.
Call (210) 817-4746, or see our frequently asked questions.