Hospice & Palliative Care FAQs
How much will it cost?
Hospice coverage is 100 percent covered by many insurance companies, including Medicare (MCR). That means everything related to the hospice diagnosis—all equipment, medication, and supplies—are completely covered. If you have any questions about your insurance policy or what exactly is covered, contact Ardent today.
How many times a week will your staff visit?
We will visit patients based on their acuity, condition, and wishes. Our standard approach includes visits from a licensed nurse and caregiver twice a week.
How long does a patient have once they are admitted under your service?
Death occurs as a natural process, so that is undetermined. We do not speed up the process, rather we work to improve the quality of life. Our mission is to support your decision and meet your needs with our unlimited resources and compassionate team to deliver quality care in your loved one’s last days—however long that may be.
Is there any pain involved?
No, we are committed to ensuring comfort. We use our resources and specialized care to manage pain effectively.
Palliative Care
Who makes up the palliative care team?
The team members that visit a patient may vary by that patient’s specific needs. Typically, a palliative team is composed of the patient’s primary physician, board certified nurses, social workers, chaplains, specialists, and volunteers. Each team member plays an important role in the care a palliative patient receives.
What does the palliative team do?
Ultimately, the palliative care team provides comfort and support to the patient and their families by alleviating the symptoms of their chronic condition. We educate patients and families about their disease and create a smooth transition should the patient need hospice care.
How many times a week does your team visit palliative care patients?
Patients are visited based on their acuity, condition, and wishes. Our standard approach includes visits from a licensed nurse and caregiver twice a week.
What’s the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
With palliative care, patients may still seek curative treatments for their chronic condition; if a patient is no longer seeking curative measures and has a prognosis of six months or less, they will receive hospice care. Palliative care can be a precursor to hospice, but it is not a guarantee they will need hospice care; some patients may make a full recovery while on palliative care.
