How do I receive Hospice Services?
To receive Hospice Services in the home the patient must reside in Marion County, and be diagnosed as having a terminal illness certified by an MD with a life expectancy of 1 year or less, and under the care of a licensed Florida physician. (Hospice can assist in finding a qualified physician.) Those outside of the county May receive care at one of our four Hospice Houses.

Do I have to be diagnosed with cancer to receive Hospice Care?
No, any person with a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of 1 year or less may qualify for Hospice Care.

Who are the members of the Hospice Team?
In general, the members of the team may include an RN Hospice coordinator or case manager, physicians, nurses, a chaplain, a social worker, a dietician, a pharmacist, massage therapists, home health aides, bereavement facilitators and volunteers. Patients, families, and friends are also important members of the Hospice team.

Where is care provided?
Care is provided in the setting that best suits the needs of the individual patient and caregivers. A patient can choose care in the patient’s own home, an assisted living facility, a hospital, skilled nursing facility or one of our Hospice Houses.

Who pays for Hospice programs?
Reimbursement for services typically comes from Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private insurance carriers. Ongoing financial support is often received through local fund-raisers, memorial gifts, voluntary contributions, and fees for patient services. Some funding may come from grants, contributions from private foundations, local government, and individual contributions.

Are Hospices only for elderly people?
No. Just as people of all ages deal with difficult diagnosis, people of all ages may receive care by Hospice of Marion County. We have helped patients from newborn to those well over 100 years of age, and every age between. Special age-appropriate counselors and programs are designed to support any person, at any age.

Does Hospice care emphasize talking about death?
No. Hospice is about living each day to the fullest. The Hospice staff provides services that patients and families want and need, allowing them to express and accept their emotions in a non-threatening environment. In addition, special counseling is available on a request basis.

What are some of the services volunteers provide?
Volunteers may help patients and families directly with chores, cooking, etc. Providing companionship and support is also a very important part of being a Hospice volunteer. Volunteers are also valuable in helping the office personnel with the day-to-day operations of administrative duties. Volunteers with a special interest in retail may want to work in one of our Hospice Thrift Stores. There are also opportunities for helping with fund-raisers and special events. For more details, see Volunteers.

How can I become a Hospice volunteer?
Our volunteers are considered an extension of our staff. Therefore, anyone wishing to be a Hospice volunteer will go through some of the same steps it would take to become an employee (i.e., application, interview and training).

What are advance directives?
They're documents that allow you to state what kind of medical treatment you do and don't want in the event that you become unable to communicate your wishes. Hospice of Marion County utilizes a document called “Five Wishes” that meets all legal requirements and more personal concerns as well. This easy to read document is available from Hospice of Marion County at no charge. Click here to fill out a form to request more information on the "Five Wishes" document or to learn more about advance directives.

What if I change my mind after I fill out my advance directives?
You can always change or cancel your advance directives. In some cases, you may even cancel them orally.

Can I refuse treatment for my child?
You may in some cases, depending on a medical evaluation of the child's condition, chances of recovery, and the expected effects of treatment.

My relative has a valid living will—can I prevent it from taking effect?
Generally no, unless you can prove that the relative was not thinking clearly when he or she created the living will.

What if Hospice inpatient or respite care is needed?
The Hospice program will arrange for any necessary care. As long as Hospice of Marion County arranges it, Medicare Part A will help pay for it. Medicare also provides partial payments for non-Hospice, related medical care.

Will I lose Social Security benefits if I'm in the Hospice Medicare program?
No. Medicare pays for the cost of Hospice care. Social Security payments are not affected.

What do Hospice patients do when unexpected medical crisis occur?
Call the Hospice program's 24-hour number—(352) 873-7400—so our staff can respond. Family members will be taught in advance how to respond to unexpected medical crises. Make sure the 24-hour Hospice number is near the phone at all times. Upon admission you will be given an assigned “team” number. Please keep that number nearby to make any inquiries or requests related to your care while on Hospice services.

What if I want or need other services or treatments?
Talk with the Hospice staff to determine what Medicare or your insurance provider covers. A person may leave the Hospice program at any time and seek services not available through the Hospice Medicare Benefit.

What if I have a Medicare+Choice (M+C) plan?
If you belong to an M+C plan, such as a health maintenance organization (HMO), you can still receive Hospice care. In general, benefits will be the same as they would be if you were getting original Medicare. You do not have to leave your M+C plan to receive Hospice benefits. Check with your plan for more information.