Seven Facts About Hospice You May Not Know
- njHealth Team
- Nov 25, 2025
- 3 min read
Many people do not get the support they need and are entitled because they do not understand or fear the word “hospice”. If you or a loved one struggling with serious illnesses or terminal diagnosis hospice care can provide much-needed support and comfort.
“At the end of life, patients and their families are often faced with many challenges - both physical and emotional,” explained Suzanne Martinelli, administrator and CEO at NJ Health Hospice and Palliative Care. “They are faced with managing grief and loss, navigating the medical landscape, costs and insurance, caring for loved ones, and making difficult decisions. Hospice care sustains families through this process by providing resources, education, and emotional support. Whether you are considering hospice care for yourself or a loved one, it is important to understand what hospice has to offer.”
By learning more facts about hospice, you can make informed decisions and ensure that you are able to receive the best possible care during this difficult time
1. Hospice is not just for cancer patients.
In fact, hospice care is an appropriate healthcare option for any patient with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice care is an alternative for patients who have chosen to decline further curative treatments of their illness and focus on care that provides comfort and quality of life.
2. Hospice can take place wherever the patient is located.
Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient resides and in many different settings, including the patient’s home, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility.
3. Hospice is a philosophy of care.
Some people think of hospice as an institution or facility, but it is more of a philosophy that emphasizes comfort and quality of life for patients with a terminal illness. This type of care focuses on providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care to patients and their loved ones, as well as prioritizing patient dignity and control.
4. There’s more to hospice than just medical care.
While hospice does provide patients with skilled medical and nursing care and pain management, it also focuses on providing emotional support and social services to assist families and help them navigate their grief and loss. Hospice care is provided by a team of specially trained healthcare professionals who work together to provide the best possible care for patients and their families. This team includes a hospice physician, nurses, home health aides, social workers, counselors, spiritual and bereavement advisors, and volunteers. At NJ Health Hospice we also offer massage and music therapy. Not all hospice companies provide additional services, but we do.
5. Hospice helps patients, and their loved ones prepare for the end of life.
Part of the hospice philosophy of care is helping patients and their families come to terms with their illness, plan for death and grieving, develop advance care plans, and discuss end-of-life wishes. It is helpful for some to have this difficult conversation before it’s necessary, and hospice social workers, spiritual care and bereavement professionals provide information, support, and resources. Bereavement services are available to patient’s family for more than a year after the patient has passed.
6. Hospice care cost is covered 100%.
Medicare covers hospice care for eligible patients, which means that the cost of a patient’s end-of-life care is fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances. This includes nursing visits, medications related to terminal illness, as well as medical equipment and supplies used to provide comfort and care for the patient.
7. The sooner you choose hospice care the better.
Unfortunately, many wait until the late stages of a terminal illness to consider hospice care. This means that patients and their families miss out on all the benefits that hospice provides including comfort care and emotional support in navigating grief and loss. Educate yourself about hospice care and discuss it with your doctor early on to ensure that you can make the most of this valuable resource. You can call us at any time at 856-696-5340 with your questions and a free no-obligation evaluation or visit our website at www.njhealthteam.com.
NJHealth has consistently received an annual gold award as best hospice by The Press of Atlantic City, as well as a gold for best place to work.
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