The Admission Process

Understanding Hospice Admission

Hospice admission is the process of formally starting hospice care. It allows our team to understand your loved one’s needs, confirm eligibility, and create a personalized plan focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Admission does not mean giving up care. It means shifting the focus to comfort, symptom management, and support for both the patient and family.

How the Admission Process Works

1. Referral or First Conversation. Admission often begins with a referral from a physician, hospital, facility, or by a family member reaching out directly. During this first conversation, we listen carefully, answer questions, and explain hospice care in clear, simple terms. There is no pressure to decide right away.
2. Eligibility Review and Coordination. Our team works with physicians and insurance providers to confirm hospice eligibility. Hospice care is typically 100% covered by Medicare and Medicaid, as well as most private insurance plans. We handle the coordination so families are not burdened with unnecessary paperwork or phone calls.
3. The Admission Visit. Once hospice care is approved, a member of our hospice team meets with the patient and family, often the same day or within 24 hours.
   
   During the admission visit, we:
   • Review medical history and current symptoms
   • Explain hospice services and what support looks like
   • Discuss medications, equipment, and comfort needs
   • Answer questions and address immediate concerns
     At Foundations Hospice, leadership is involved from the start. The owner meets every family who comes on service to ensure care begins with trust, respect, and personal connection.
4. Creating a Personalized Plan of Care. Hospice care is never one-size-fits-all. Following admission, our interdisciplinary team develops a care plan based on your loved one’s goals, comfort needs, and personal preferences.

This plan evolves as needs change, with ongoing communication and support.

What Families Can Expect After Admission

Once hospice care begins, families receive:

• Regular visits from the hospice care team
• 24/7 access to support for questions or concerns
• Coordination of medications, equipment, and supplies
• Emotional and spiritual support for both patient and family
  Our team remains available and responsive day or night.

Admission Does Not Mean You Lose Control

Families often worry that hospice admission removes choice or flexibility. In reality, families remain in control every step of the way.

You can:

• Keep your primary doctor involved
• Ask questions at any time
• Adjust care as needs change
• Revoke hospice care if circumstances change
  Our role is to guide and support, not to take decisions away from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often will the hospice team visit?
Visits are based on needs and can increase as conditions change. Support is available between visits.

Is hospice covered by Medicare or Medicaid?
Yes. Hospice is typically 100% covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Most private insurance plans also cover hospice.

Can my loved one keep their primary doctor?
Yes. Your primary doctor can stay involved while hospice provides added support.

How quickly can hospice care begin?
Often the same day or within 24 hours once eligibility is confirmed.

What if our situation changes after admission?
Care plans can be adjusted anytime. Hospice can also be discontinued if you choose other treatments.

What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Hospice supports comfort when curative treatment is no longer pursued. Palliative care can begin earlier and alongside treatment.