Frequently Asked Questions

The earlier you call us, the more Community Healthcare of Texas can do to support you and your family. At any time during a life-limiting illness, discussing all of your care options, including hospice, is appropriate. As with all medical issues, you have complete control over your healthcare decisions. The Community Healthcare of Texas care team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to discuss options with you, your family, and your physician. 

You and your family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with your physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy, or friends. A patient or family member can ask their physician for a referral to Community Healthcare of Texas.

Yes, not all hospices are the same. You can choose Community Healthcare of Texas by name.

Most physicians have some understanding of hospice care. If your physician wants more information, they can simply call Community Healthcare of Texas, and we will be happy to assist.

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health insurance cover all services and supplies related to a patient’s terminal illness. Families are often unaware of the extensive hospice coverage available to them through these providers. Community Healthcare of Texas will assist you and your family in identifying eligible coverage for all hospice services. 

Certainly, if your condition improves and your disease seems to be in remission, you can be discharged from hospice and return to regular treatment as recommended by your physician.

When hospice is requested, Community Healthcare of Texas will contact your physician to confirm they agree that hospice care is appropriate. Once the physician approves a referral, the paperwork process is simple. A member of the Community Healthcare of Texas care team will meet with you to complete the admissions paperwork, and hospice services will begin immediately. 

Community Healthcare of Texas will assess your needs, recommend any necessary equipment and help make delivery arrangements. Many types of equipment are available, and most are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. 

There’s no set number. We will prepare an individualized care plan for you and your family. The plan will outline services and schedules for the family. Your Community Healthcare of Texas care team will visit regularly, and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to answer questions and provide support.

This depends on the physical limitations of the patient. Your Community Healthcare of Texas care team will assess your needs and offer recommendations for specific levels of care.

It’s never easy and sometimes can be quite difficult. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be very long, lonely, and scary. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to consult with you and your family and make night visits if requested.

A team of physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, home health aides, clergy, therapists, and volunteers make up the Community Healthcare of Texas care team for patients and their families. We will also provide medications, supplies, and equipment related to your diagnosis. 

No. At Community Healthcare of Texas, our role is to provide compassionate comfort care and symptom management to support quality of life – not to hasten the end of life.

No. Hospice services can be delivered in a personal residence, assisted living facilities, long-term care centers, or one of our hospice inpatient facilities.

Community Healthcare of Texas doctors and nurses are up-to-date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief.  We also believe that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so we address these as well. Counselors (including clergy) are available to assist you and your family members.

Community Healthcare of Texas has a high success rate. Using combinations of medications, counseling, and therapies, most patients can attain a level of comfort that is acceptable to them.

Usually not. Our goal is to help you be as comfortable and alert as possible by constantly consulting with you to evaluate your needs. Community Healthcare of Texas has been very successful in reaching this goal.

Community Healthcare of Texas is not an extension of any religion. While some religious organizations have started hospices, these hospices serve a broad community and do not require patients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs. Our chaplains are nondenominational, and we honor different faith backgrounds and provide spiritual care to patients of all religions and beliefs.

As the state’s largest not-for-profit hospice provider, Community Healthcare of Texas is dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care to anyone who needs our services regardless of their ability to pay.        

Through our Grief Care Services program, Community Healthcare of Texas provides ongoing support for family and friends for at least 13 months following the death of a loved one. We also offer, at no charge, grief support groups for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a family member, friend or loved one. 

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health insurance cover all services and supplies related to a patient’s terminal illness.