VOLUNTEER VS. MEDICAL HOSPICE—THERE IS A DIFFERENCE

Volunteer hospices offer practical and emotional support to patients with a limited life expectancy and respite for caregivers, regardless of diagnosis or other ongoing treatment, as well as counseling services relative to end-of-life issues, grief and bereavement. Services are delivered by trained, screened volunteers, supervised and supported by professional staff, and all services are free of charge.

Medical model hospices offer the full range of medical and non-medical hospice services to patients who meet the criteria of a life expectancy of six months or less and have terminated or declined curative treatment. Patients are charged for all medical hospice services, although Medicare and/or other insurance plans often cover the cost.