Common concerns persons living with AIDS have about Hospice Care

Where does hope fit in hospice?
Hospice believes that hope is an essential ingredient to your sense of well being, providing support and direction as your illness progresses and the focus of hope shifts to maintaining your quality of life.

When is hospice appropriate?
Hospice is an appropriate choice when the goal of treatment is comfort and management of pain and physical symptoms to ensure quality of life.

Is hospice a place? May I be cared for at home?
Hospice is not a place, but a philosophy of care which affirms life and exists to provide support and care for persons in the last phase of disease so that they might live as fully and as comfortably as possible. All hospice programs emphasize care at home, whether in an individual's home or supportive care residence.

May I continue to be cared for by my doctor?
Yes. Hospice encourages you to retain your primary doctor. The hospice team will coordinate your care with him/her. If you do not have one, hospice personnel can assist you in identifying and selecting a doctor.

Will I still be able to receive treatment of opportunistic infections?
Treatment of infections and symptoms associated with AIDS will be determined on a individual basis by you and your doctor.

I live alone. Can I still be admitted to a hospice program?
Yes. A live-in caregiver is not a requirement for care. Hospice programs do request that you designate a "primary care person" - a partner, friend or family member who will maintain contact with the hospice team and participate as needed in your care.

What happens when I need to be hospitalized?
All certified hospice programs have access to inpatient units designed to meet your intermittent acute care needs. When it is appropriate and necessary, inpatient care may be provided in a hospice contracted facility.

Will my insurance cover my hospice care?
Hospice care is usually covered by most insurance policies as well as Medicare, Medicaid and NY State ADAP+. Hospice staff will help you to determine the extent of your medical coverage. No one is refused services for inability to pay.

Can I leave hospice?
Hospice service is your choice. You may improve or stabilize to a point where hospice care is no longer needed. However, should your condition change, you may eligible to resume hospice service at a later time.

How can I obtain services?
Residents of New York City may call the intake worker at any of the programs listed on the of this site.

For residents of New York State outside the New York City, contact the New York State Hospice Association 24 hours a day at 1 (800) 611-9710 for further information and listing of hospice programs available in your area.

Residents of other states should contact the National Hospice Organization at:
1-800-658-8898