Hospice & Palliative Care FAQs: Costs, Qualifying, & More

We provide clear answers to your most frequently asked questions about hospice and palliative care

What is hospice care?

Hospice is a special kind of care for those with serious illnesses. It manages symptoms and provides emotional, physical and spiritual support for their families and caregivers.

Hospice is not “giving up.” In fact, it focuses on ensuring the patient is as comfortable and pain-free as possible, allowing them to make every moment matter by enhancing their quality of life.

Mature Caucasian female nurse assists a female patient in the patient's home. The patient is in a wheelchair.

Where is hospice care provided?
Who qualifies for hospice?
Qualifying for hospice requires that the patient:

Has a serious, life-limiting illness

Has a prognosis of six months or less to live if the disease follows its natural course

Chooses to shift their focus to symptom management

Regardless of a patient’s condition or age, hospice programs open their doors and their hearts to all those with serious illnesses. While you may have heard of hospice most often in reference to cancer patients, hospice also serves those with other conditions such as:

Advanced heart disease

End-stage kidney disease

COPD

Dementia

ALS

Stroke

Advanced liver disease

HIV/AIDS

Parkinson’s disease
Can a hospice patient opt to stop receiving services if they desire?
Can a hospice patient receive services such as a hospice aide or a hospital bed even if they declined them when entering hospice care?
What is the difference between hospice vs. palliative care?

While you may have heard these terms used interchangeably, they are actually two different aspects of care for those who have serious illnesses. We’ll examine the similarities and differences between them.

Both provide comfort care to those who have life-limiting illnesses. Both strive to help manage symptoms and pain at home or wherever the patient calls home.

The main difference is that hospice provides care when the treatment of the illness has stopped and the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.

By comparison, palliative care specialists place a special focus on helping you navigate the symptoms of your disease. They also offer goals of care, support and assistance with the complicated medical decisions you may encounter.

Our palliative care services are offered to people who are believed to have a prognosis of 24 months or less if their disease were to continue to advance.

We’re glad to answer any questions about hospice vs. palliative care. Please call us at (888) 789-2922, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Can I still see my regular doctor if I have palliative care or in-home hospice care services?

Yes. Our team will work closely with your doctor to create a personalized care plan for you. We maintain ongoing communication with your physician and the entire healthcare team to ensure you receive the highest quality of care in a seamless and coordinated manner.
Which areas do you serve?
We proudly serve nine counties in North Carolina and nine counties in Virginia.

These counties are:

You can learn more details about our service area by clicking here.
North Carolina

Alleghany

Davidson

Davie

Forsyth

Iredell

Stokes

Surry

Wilkes

Yadkin
Virginia

Carroll

Floyd

Franklin

Grayson

Henry

Patrick

Pittsylvania

Pulaski

Wythe
Do all hospices operate under one umbrella organization?

No, this is a common misconception. Mountain Valley is a local nonprofit that serves patients and families in 18 counties across North Carolina and Virginia. In addition to hospice and palliative care, we offer special programs in these communities, including Love’s PEAK pediatric support, We Honor Veterans, and bereavement support. We’re affiliated with local hospitals Northern Regional Hospital and Hugh Chatham Health, and supported by local United Fund and United Way agencies.
How can I refer someone (or myself) to Mountain Valley?

It’s simple to make a referral to Mountain Valley. As a reminder, anyone can make a referral: doctors, family members, neighbors, and even the patient themselves.

You can easily make a referral here or through our 24/7 phone number: (336) 789-2922 or toll-free (888) 789-2922. We would consider it a privilege to serve you.

Mountain Valley is always dedicated to making every moment matter for you and your family

We recognize that every stage, every journey is different. We respect that. We tailor our care plan to fit your individual wishes. We want you to be as comfortable as possible so you can make every moment matter.

If you have a question that we haven’t answered here, simply contact us. We’ll be happy to talk to you and we pledge to take time to address all your concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide clear answers to your most frequently asked questions about hospice and palliative care

What is hospice care?

North Carolina

Virginia

Mountain Valley is always dedicated to making every moment matter for you and your family

More questions?
We are here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide clear answers to your most frequently asked questions about hospice and palliative care

What is hospice care?

North Carolina

Virginia

Mountain Valley is always dedicated to making every moment matter for you and your family

More questions?We are here to help.

More questions?
We are here to help.