Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care is a specialized form of medical care for patients with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. It focuses on comfort, pain management, and quality of life rather than curative treatment. Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and home health aides.

Question 2

What is palliative care, and how is it different from hospice?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with serious illness. Unlike hospice, palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness and alongside curative treatments. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for patients who have chosen to focus on comfort at end of life.

Question 3

Who pays for hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care is covered by Medicare Part A, Medi-Cal (Medicaid), and most private insurance plans. The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers physician services, nursing care, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment, home health aide services, and bereavement support — typically at no cost to the patient.

Question 4

Where is hospice care provided?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home. This can be a private residence, assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility, or board and care home. Our team comes to the patient — there is no need to travel to a facility.

Question 5

How do I know if my loved one qualifies for hospice?

Accepted Answer

A patient may qualify for hospice if they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and a physician has determined that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. Our intake team can help assess eligibility — contact us for a free consultation.

Question 6

Can a patient leave hospice if they get better?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A patient can revoke hospice services at any time and return to curative treatment. If a patient's condition improves, they may be discharged from hospice. They can always re-enroll if they become eligible again.

Question 7

How quickly can hospice services begin?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, we can begin services within 24 to 48 hours of receiving a referral. For urgent situations, we can often arrange same-day admission.

Question 8

What does the hospice care team include?

Accepted Answer

Our interdisciplinary team includes a hospice physician (medical director), registered nurses, skilled nursing, licensed social workers, chaplains/spiritual counselors, home health aides, bereavement counselors, and trained volunteers. Each team member plays a specific role in the patient's care plan.

Question 9

How can I refer a patient?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can make a referral — physicians, nurses, social workers, discharge planners, family members, or even the patient themselves. Simply call us at (818) 643-3250 or visit our Referrals page to submit a referral online. We accept referrals 24/7.

Question 10

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Encino Hospice Care, Inc provides compassionate hospice and palliative care services across Southern California, including San Bernardino County, Orange County, Ventura County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and Santa Clara County.

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