Question 1

What Is The Difference Between Home Health, Palliative, And Hospice?

Accepted Answer

Home Health helps you recover or maintain function after illness, injury, or surgery. You receive nursing and therapy at home. Palliative Care adds symptom relief and guidance while you continue treatment with your specialists. Hospice Care focuses on comfort for a life limiting illness when quality of life is the goal.

Question 2

Where Is Care Provided?

Accepted Answer

Wherever you live. We visit private homes, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Hospital coordination is available when needed.

Question 3

Do You Serve My Area?

Accepted Answer

We serve Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties, including the Coachella Valley and many surrounding communities. If you are close but unsure, call us to check coverage.

Question 4

Can I Keep My Current Doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate with your attending physician and specialists across all services. Hospice also includes a Hospice Physician who supports the plan of care.

Question 5

How Soon Can Services Start?

Accepted Answer

Most patients begin within 24 to 48 hours after eligibility is confirmed. In urgent situations, we work to begin as soon as possible.

Question 6

How Do You Handle Authorizations?

Accepted Answer

We verify coverage, obtain authorizations, and confirm what the plan includes before services begin.

Question 7

Which Items Are Typically Covered Under Hospice?

Accepted Answer

Medications related to the hospice diagnosis, a hospital bed when needed, oxygen and related supplies, commodes, and dressings. We confirm details with your plan.

Question 8

Are There Costs For Bereavement Care?

Accepted Answer

Hospice bereavement support is available to families served by the program. We will outline schedules and options.

Question 9

Will I Be Billed If I Do Not Qualify?

Accepted Answer

We confirm eligibility before care starts and explain any out-of-pocket items in advance.

Question 10

Who Decides If I Am Eligible?

Accepted Answer

Your attending physician and our clinical team confirm eligibility. Hospice eligibility also requires certification by a physician that life expectancy is about six months if the illness runs its usual course.

Question 11

Is Care Covered By Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Medicare covers Home Health, Palliative, and Hospice when criteria are met. Medi-Cal and many private plans also cover these services. We verify benefits and explain coverage before care begins.

Question 12

What Costs Should I Expect?

Accepted Answer

We review benefits, authorizations, and any out-of-pocket items up front. Hospice typically covers medications related to the hospice diagnosis, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Home Health and Palliative arrange equipment and supplies when ordered and covered.

Question 13

Do Veterans Have Special Options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Eligible Veterans can receive VA-covered hospice services while keeping their preferred care setting. Choosing hospice does not reduce other VA benefits. We coordinate with VA clinicians at your request.

Question 14

How Do I Get A Referral?

Accepted Answer

You can start with a direct call or ask your doctor, hospital, clinic, or skilled nursing facility to send a referral. We will confirm eligibility and contact you to schedule an assessment.

Question 15

What Happens During The First Visit?

Accepted Answer

A nurse meets you where you live to learn your goals, review medications, and assess comfort and safety. We set a simple plan, share direct phone numbers, and explain how to reach us any time.

Question 16

What Should I Have Ready?

Accepted Answer

A current medication list, recent physician notes if available, insurance cards, and names of key contacts. Most important is a short list of what matters most to you today.

Question 17

What Does Hospice Include?

Accepted Answer

Registered nursing for pain and symptom management, CHHAs or Aides for personal care, social work support, chaplain support, medications, equipment, and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis, 24 hour clinical phone support and crisis care when criteria are met, bereavement support for family after a death.

Question 18

Do I Have To Stop All Treatments On Hospice?

Accepted Answer

Hospice focuses on comfort. Treatments that support comfort and symptom relief can continue. We will help you understand what aligns with the hospice plan.

Question 19

Can I Leave Hospice And Return Later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can revoke hospice at any time. If needs change, you may resume hospice later if eligible.

Question 20

Can You Help Organize Family Meetings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Social workers and nurses can facilitate discussions, align the plan, and document decisions.

Question 21

Do You Offer Spiritual Support If I Have No Faith Tradition?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spiritual support is patient led. You decide the level of involvement.

Question 22

What If English Is Not Our Primary Language?

Accepted Answer

Interpreter services and translated materials are available. Tell us your language preference and we will arrange support.

Question 23

Can I Continue Treatment While On Palliative Care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Palliative care works alongside treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, dialysis, and therapies.

Question 24

What Does Palliative Care Include?

Accepted Answer

Advanced pain and symptom management, 24/7 clinical phone support, physician involvement in care reviews, help with advance care planning, and access to social work and chaplain support when requested.

Question 25

How Is Palliative Care Different From Hospice?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care supports you while you continue treatment. Hospice is for the last phase of life when comfort is the goal.

Question 26

Who Qualifies For Home Health?

Accepted Answer

People who need skilled nursing or therapy that can be safely provided at home. Common reasons include new medications, balance concerns, wound care, breathing changes, and recovery after surgery or a hospital stay.

Question 27

Which Disciplines Are Available?

Accepted Answer

Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Medical Social Services, Certified Home Health Aides, Respiratory Therapy, and Dietitian support.

Question 28

How Often Will Visits Occur?

Accepted Answer

Frequency depends on your goals and the plan of care. Visits increase during periods of greater need and scale down as you reach milestones.

Acacia Hospice & Palliative Services

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