Hospice Care for Veterans in Las Vegas & Henderson

Hospice is part of VA health care

The VA describes hospice as comfort care for Veterans and their families when a Veteran has a terminal condition. According to the VA, hospice is part of the VA Medical Benefits Package, so every Veteran enrolled in VA health care is eligible if they meet the clinical need for it. According to the VA’s Palliative and Hospice Care fact sheet, that means:

• a VA physician expects a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course;
• the goals of care focus on comfort rather than cure;
• the Veteran, or the person deciding for them, makes an informed choice to receive hospice care.

The VA says hospice can be provided at home, in an outpatient clinic or in an inpatient setting, and that it works closely with community hospice agencies to provide care at home.

VA, Medicare or private insurance: who pays?

Many Veterans are covered by more than one program. The VA’s Palliative and Hospice Care fact sheet states that an enrolled Veteran can choose the VA as the payer for hospice, even if they are also eligible for hospice under Medicare or Medicaid. The VA’s hospice care page also says there are no copays for hospice care provided by the VA or by an organization with a VA contract.

Room and board: Medicare.gov explains that Medicare doesn’t cover room and board for hospice care at home, or if you live in a nursing home or a hospice inpatient facility. If your loved one lives in assisted living or a nursing home, ask us how room and board is handled before care begins.

Which option fits depends on the Veteran’s enrollment and situation. Talk with your VA social worker, and call us so we can go through the options with your family before care begins.

What the hospice team provides

The VA’s Palliative and Hospice Care fact sheet describes hospice care as including diagnosis-related visits by an interdisciplinary team, medications, supplies, medical equipment and other services in the plan of care, with bereavement support for the family. At home, our team includes:

1. Hospice nurses who manage pain and symptoms and teach the family how to keep the patient comfortable. See routine home hospice care.
2. Certified hospice aides for bathing, personal care and daily comfort.
3. Medical social workers who help with paperwork, benefits questions and planning. See social work services.
4. Chaplains who offer spiritual support in keeping with the Veteran’s own faith and wishes. See spiritual care.
5. Emotional and grief support for the Veteran and the family. See psychological support and bereavement support.

Tell us about military service

Military history can matter at the end of life. Service-related illnesses or exposures, memories of service, and what a Veteran wants to be recognized for can all shape care and comfort. Let us know about your loved one’s service when care begins so the team can take it into account.

How to start hospice care

1. Talk with your VA care team. The VA recommends speaking with your VA social worker about hospice care.
2. Call us. We answer questions, explain eligibility and help your family work with your VA care team and your doctor.
3. Evaluation and care plan. Our team completes an evaluation and builds a care plan focused on comfort and on the Veteran’s wishes.

We serve the Las Vegas Valley, including Henderson, North Las Vegas, Summerlin and Centennial Hills.