Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Eligible?

Any person who has a severe illness and who is expected to live for 6 months or less can benefit from hospice. Typical diagnoses include illness at an end stage, such as dementia, heart, liver, lung, kidney, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other illnesses leading to a decline in health.

The benefit that a hospice offers is maximized when it is provided for at least 6 months. This time frame permits active management of pain and other symptoms, and interventions by the entire team who can work with the patient and family to identify and meet goals that they establish for their end of life care. Earlier intervention with hospice care can lead to improved pain and symptom management, thus enabling the patient to enjoy their remaining time and to participate in a variety of daily activities.

Admission Criteria and Guidelines

The basic admission criteria for hospice care are established by regulation and state that a person being admitted to hospice must be:

• A life expectancy of 6 months or less if the disease runs it’s natural course
• Not be receiving any curative treatments

There are specific guidelines for how a physician determines life expectancy. These guidelines, called Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs), are developed and managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.  The LCDs provide the physician and hospice staff with a roadmap to the signs of declining health, worsening terminal illness and greater discomfort indicating a need for hospice.

How is it paid for?

Trinity Hospice is a Medicare/Medicaid certified program, which accepts patients without regard for age, gender, color, national origin, race, creed, sexual orientation, disability, diagnosis, availability of a primary caregiver, or ability to pay. Hospice services are covered by most insurance policies. No one is refused services because of inability to pay. Admission to hospice is based on the patients’ eligibility and need, not the ability to pay.

Where is it provided?

Trinity Hospice understands that not every patient is able to stay in his or her home. Hospice care is provided wherever the patient calls home, including private residences, assisted living communities and long term care facilities. When it is appropriate and necessary, inpatient care may be provided in a hospice-contracted facility. Your clinical team will be continuously monitoring patients for worsening symptoms. Trinity has access to inpatient units designed to meet intermittent acute care needs which may become too difficult to manage at home or under the standard long term care arrangement.

What area does Trinity Hospice serve?

Trinity Hospice is currently providing service in the following areas: Middlesex and Worcester Counties. We are able to provide excellent care to patients and families due to the size of the organization.

Questions, please contact:

Erin Sanford
CEO
Trinity Hospice
1183 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01603
Tel: 508-791-8200