When a loved one is facing a serious or life-limiting illness, knowing when and how to begin hospice care can feel overwhelming. Three Oaks Hospice is here to make the admissions process easier to understand, from the first conversation through referral, assessment, care planning and coverage review.

The hospice admission process typically includes a referral, choosing a hospice provider, an admission assessment, development of a personalized care plan and a review of Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance coverage. Our goal is to make every step clear and supportive, so patients and families can focus on comfort, connection and peace.

Need guidance now? Contact Three Oaks Hospice today to speak with someone about hospice or palliative care options.

Starting hospice care does not have to be confusing. The admissions process is designed to help the patient, family, physician and hospice team determine whether hospice is appropriate, understand what support is needed and begin care as smoothly as possible.
At Three Oaks Hospice or any of our sister companies, the process typically includes five steps:

1. Referral
2. Choosing a provider
3. Admission assessment and consultation
4. Care planning and implementation
5. Medicare and insurance coverage review

Each step gives families the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and make informed decisions.

A hospice referral is the first step toward evaluating whether hospice care is appropriate. A referral may come from a physician, hospital discharge planner, case manager, social worker, nurse, care facility, family member or even the patient themself. Caregivers and loved ones can reach out directly if they believe hospice may be needed.

The purpose of the referral is to help the hospice team begin gathering the information needed to understand the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, current care setting and goals. For Medicare hospice coverage, a hospice physician and the patient’s regular physician, if they have one, must certify that the patient is terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. The patient or authorized representative must also elect the hospice benefit.

A referral does not mean a patient is automatically enrolled. It simply opens the door for a conversation, eligibility review and assessment

Choosing a hospice provider is an important decision. Families should look for a provider that communicates clearly, responds quickly, explains coverage, supports caregivers and offers a care team that can address physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient calls home, including a private residence, a loved one’s home, an assisted living community, a nursing home, a senior living community or, when medically necessary, an inpatient setting. Three Oaks Hospice provides care in homes and care facilities, with an interdisciplinary team that may include physicians, nurses, social workers, hospice aides, chaplains, volunteers and bereavement support.

For more guidance on choosing a provider, visit How to Choose a Hospice Provider.

Hospice care also includes four levels of care, depending on the patient’s needs:

• Routine home care: Ongoing hospice support in the home or home-like setting.
• Continuous home care: Short-term, more intensive support during a medical crisis.
• General inpatient care: Short-term inpatient care for symptoms that cannot be managed at home.
• Respite care: Temporary care that gives family caregivers time to rest and recharge.

Learn more about the four levels of hospice care here.

After a referral, the hospice provider will complete an admission assessment. This may include reviewing the patient’s diagnosis, recent health changes, medications, symptoms, current treatments, care environment and caregiver support.

The goal of the assessment is to determine whether hospice is appropriate and what level of care may be needed. It is also the family’s opportunity to ask questions, meet the hospice team and decide whether the provider feels like the right fit.

During the consultation, families should ask:

• What services will be included?
• How often will the nurse or hospice aide visit?
• Who do we call after hours?
• What equipment or supplies may be needed?
• How will medications be managed?
• What support is available for caregivers?
• How does the team coordinate with the patient’s physician?

The right hospice provider should make the family feel informed, supported and never rushed.