How much can I expect to pay for hospice in a nursing home?

Care giving can be a daunting experience, especially is you have young children who require your attention as well. And, it sounds like you and your siblings are trying to See also:
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 First, contact the hospice social worker assigned to your mother. The job of the social worker encompasses the health of the family unit. Express how you feel, and ask for his/her suggestions.  Secondly, ask your social worker to assist you in applying for Medicaid, which is the federal program that helps people with limited funds. Your mother will need to “qualify” under their guidelines.  Thirdly, talk honestly and openly with your siblings (include your mother). Get their feelings about placing your mother in a nursing home, and how you all intend to pay for that care, if necessary.

Remember, when you elected to have hospice services her physician stated a life expectancy of approximately 6 months. Cure was no longer an option. Sometimes, people live beyond this 6 month prognosis. And, rehabilitation in a nursing home was not an option either due to her compromised strength and difficulty breathing. That is what is meant by “comfort care.”

When a patient goes to a nursing home, without the intent of doing any therapies (rehabilitation), they are placed on what is called custodial care as opposed to skilled care. If your mother can qualify for Medicaid, the cost of room and board may be paid for her custodial care. If she does not, then the cost falls to the patient and family. Hospice services through a not-for-profit organization should not cost you anything; but, she must be on “custodial” care to receive hospice services. (That simply means she isn’t being sent off to physical or occupational therapy; she still would receive all the care any patient receives in a nursing home.)

If you live in California, Medicaid is called MediCal. People are allowed to have certain assets, but your social worker will know the specifics. A nursing home, located between you and your siblings, may be the best option for you now. Your mother will be cared for and safe, and her needs for oxygen and energy conservation will be met. The hospice team will manage her care and keep you informed and updated as her disease progresses.

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