Category: Ask EOLCNY

What is a comfort care home?

Comfort care homes (also known as comfort homes and care homes for the dying) are created by communities and are community-funded. They are actual houses,...
Do terminally ill New Yorkers have the right to receive information about their end-of-life options?

Yes, the Palliative Care Information Act became effective in 2011. End of Life Choices New York played an instrumental part in getting this law enacted....
I heard New York ranks low in hospice utilization when compared to other states. What does that mean?

Unfortunately, New York has one of the lowest hospice utilization rates in the country. Compared to other states, New Yorkers access hospice care less. In...
Once you’re receiving hospice, can you leave (for example, if a new treatment becomes available)?

Yes, you have the right to leave hospice or switch to a different hospice program. If you leave hospice, you may continue to receive palliative...
How can I find a hospice program in my area?

If your medical provider is making the referral to hospice, they (or an affiliated social worker) will be able to let you know about programs...
How do I receive hospice care?

Anyone can make an initial hospice referral. Most commonly, a medical provider determines if the patient will make the initial referral, so we recommend speaking...
Who pays for hospice care?

Medicare beneficiaries (i.e., people who have Medicare) pay very little or nothing for hospice. Most other insurance plans, including New York Medicaid, and employer-sponsored/commercial plans...
If I receive hospice care at home, will a nurse or aide be with me 24/7?

Hospice may provide home health attendants/aids, or volunteers, who can assist you at home for a few hours during the day, if needed. However, hospice...
Can I receive hospice care at home?

Hospice is not a specific place. Hospice care can be provided at patients’ homes, in nursing homes, in hospitals, comfort care homes, and hospice homes....