the Price of Hospice Care

The hospice services were for my mother. She was admitted into hospice when she was diagnosed with an untreatable heart condition. She was deemed terminally ill and required round the clock care to ensure she was comfortable. At the hospice center there were nurses and doctors on staff however it was not a hospital-like atmosphere. All the patients had small, individual rooms with a hospital bed, dresser and bathroom. While the nurses still administered medications, there was no "life saving equipment" on site. She was given three meals a day when she was well enough to eat and nurses provided round the clock care. My mother was there for about four months before she passed away.

The cost of hospice care was roughly $350 per day. My mother's medical insurance paid about $300 per day (the price included daily medications), and I paid $50 a day out of pocket.

While the hospice center was not a particularly pleasant place to visit, it was clean, well kept and the staff was kind and understanding. Due to my mother's condition, she was constantly uncomfortable and needed to be moved around in her bed several times a day. The staff was so understanding and gentle long after their patience should have ran out. I have nothing but admiration for the people who cared for my mother and I would have paid more per day, out of pocket, to ensure she received the same kind of respect and dignity in her final days that she received at this hospice center.

It is always a sad situation to have to admit someone into a hospice center. But no one should let their emotions allow them to make a bad decision for a loved one. I have heard horror stories about the treatment of patients in some hospice centers and I think its worth the time and research to find one that is reputable and meets with your standards. Consider this - Your loved one deserves to die with dignity and should be treated with respect in their final days. If you aren't treated with respect when inquiring about services, etc. imagine how they will treat your loved one when you're not there.