Modern Estate Planning Blog

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The Truth About Hospice Care: Services, Medications, and More
Sharyl Eichhorn with Partners in Care Hospice joins attorney Heather Chubb to discuss the truth about hospice care.

Hospice care remains a misunderstood and often underutilized resource for many families, especially here in the Sacramento area. Sharyl Eichhorn, Director of Partners in Care Hospice, explains the purpose, qualifications, and services of hospice, clarifying common misconceptions.

What is hospice care?
Hospice care focuses on comfort for individuals with serious, chronic illnesses where curative treatment is no longer effective. “Hospice is comfort care, provided in the patient’s home, whether that’s a private residence, a skilled nursing facility, or assisted living,” Sharyl explains. The care team typically includes a nurse, home health aide, social worker, and chaplain who visit regularly to manage symptoms such as pain or shortness of breath.

Who qualifies for hospice?
To qualify, a physician must certify that the patient likely has six months or less to live if the illness follows its natural course. “While the guideline is six months, some patients remain on hospice longer,” Sharyl notes. “We’ve had patients on hospice for two years, and we continuously reassess their needs.”

Services and costs
Hospice provides intermittent medical care and symptom management, but does not replace hands-on caregiving like bathing or dressing. “Families usually provide or arrange for personal care services in addition to hospice,” Sharyl says. The good news for Sacramento families is that Medicare covers 100% of hospice services, including medical equipment like hospital beds or wheelchairs. Many private insurance plans cover hospice as well, often with similar benefits.

Medications during hospice
Patients may continue taking beneficial medications while on hospice, but the care team reviews medications regularly. “Sometimes medications can cause more side effects than benefits, so we may reduce unnecessary prescriptions,” Sharyl explains. Pain management medications may be added to maintain comfort.

Starting hospice care
The first step is a conversation with your healthcare provider to determine if hospice is appropriate. “Physicians might recommend hospice after hospital stays or when curative treatments are no longer effective,” Sharyl says. Families can also request hospice evaluations directly. Importantly, families have the right to choose their hospice provider.

Planning for hospice and long-term care?
If you are navigating hospice decisions or need legal guidance on elder care planning in the Sacramento area, contact Heather Chubb at Chubb Law Firm. We help families protect their rights and plan for the future with confidence.

If you’re facing difficult decisions about hospice care or planning for a loved one’s future, Chubb Law Firm PC is here to guide you every step of the way. From elder law to estate planning, Heather Chubb provides compassionate, experienced legal support tailored to your family’s unique needs in the Sacramento area.

Protect your family’s future with confidence — call Heather Chubb today at (916) 241-9661 to schedule your personalized consultation.

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