It’s something you never want to think about, but hospice care is a possibility for everyone.
In short, hospice is a type of health care that focuses on palliation, as opposed to treatment and finding a cure. With this type of care, quality of life and comfort is more important than anything else.
When creating an estate plan, you’ll focus some of your time and attention on long-term care planning. Within this, it’s important to consider the possibility of requiring this type of care at some point in the future.
Here are some of the many questions you need to address:
- What are the best hospice services in your local area?
- Are you familiar with the differences between hospice care facilities and in-home hospice care?
- What is the best way to pay for this end of life care?
- Who is able to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so?
There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, as it depends largely on your estate plan, financial circumstances, and personal wants and needs.
If you or a loved one requires hospice care, it makes sense to take immediate action (along with the guidance of your medical team).
While all the questions above require your attention, many people in this position are most concerned about the cost. They don’t want to overspend on care, thus leaving less behind to their loved ones.
Fortunately, there are many ways to pay for hospice care, such as:
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Veteran’s benefits
- Health insurance
- Personal assets
It’s never too early or too late to think about considering whether or not you or a loved one needs hospice. By answering all the most important questions, you’ll have a better idea of what to do next.
If you require any assistance with hospice care planning, contact us for professional and compassionate guidance. We’re available to help you create a plan that suits your every requirement.
