For nursing home residents who choose hospice care, the nursing home is considered the patient’s residence and the nursing home staff continues to provide daily care. Hospice provides additional supportive services, just as would be provided in a private house or apartment.
Hospice nurses offer their expertise in pain and symptom management. Home health aides supplement the personal care already offered by the nursing home. Counselors and volunteers provide additional support to families, residents, and nursing home staff. Additionally, the hospice bereavement counselor continues to work with the family, other residents and staff during both the resident’s illness and after death.
If the resident of the skilled nursing facility qualifies for and is approved for Medicaid payment of longterm care, Medicaid will continue to pay for room and board while the resident receives hospice care. If the patient or family is privately paying for long-term care, they will likewise be expected to continue paying room and board while the resident receives hospice care. If the resident’s stay at the nursing home is paid through Medicare’s short-term skilled care benefit, Hospice services may only commence once the skilled care benefit ends.