Hospice care

Hospice focuses on comfort, quality of life, and symptom relief for individuals with a life-limiting illness. Care is centered on the patient and family and addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Hospice may be appropriate when:

• A physician believes life expectancy is about six months or less if the illness follows its natural course
• Treatments are no longer improving quality of life
• Hospitalizations or symptoms are becoming more frequent

Starting hospice earlier often allows patients to feel better, not worse.

Yes. Hospice is most commonly provided in the patient’s home, whether that is a private residence, assisted living, or long-term care facility.

Hospice services typically include:

• Nursing care and symptom management
• Physician oversight
• Medications related to comfort and the terminal diagnosis
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Social work and emotional support
• Chaplain and spiritual care
• 24/7 on-call support
• Bereavement support for families

No. Patients may keep their primary physician. Peak’s hospice medical director and team work collaboratively with existing providers.

Hospice is most commonly covered by:

• Medicare Hospice Benefit
• Medicaid
• Most private insurance plans

For Medicare patients, hospice care is typically covered at 100%, including nursing visits, medications related to the hospice diagnosis, equipment, and supplies.

or most hospice patients, there is little to no out-of-pocket cost. Peak explains coverage clearly and helps families understand exactly what is included.

Yes. Hospice is a choice, not a permanent decision. Patients can discharge from hospice at any time if they choose to pursue curative treatment or if their condition improves.

Hospice can be discontinued at any time. If a patient’s condition stabilizes or improves and they no longer meet CMS eligibility, they may be discharged from hospice and resume other care options.

There is no set time limit. As long as a patient continues to meet eligibility criteria, hospice services may continue beyond six months with ongoing physician recertification.

Hospice supports the entire family, not just the patient. This includes education, emotional support, respite guidance, and grief support both during care and after a loved one passes.

Hospice includes 24/7 on-call support. Families can reach a nurse at any time, and visits are arranged when clinically needed—day or night.

Yes. Hospice can be provided wherever the patient lives, including private homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care settings throughout Utah.

Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life. Medications and treatments that support comfort and symptom relief continue, while those that are burdensome or no longer beneficial may be discontinued—with patient and family input.

No. Hospice does not hasten death. In many cases, patients live longer because symptoms are better managed, stress is reduced, and unnecessary hospitalizations are avoided.