Hospice and home health questions. Ask us anything.
Choosing care means a hundred questions. Here are the ones we hear most. If yours isn't here, just call. We'll walk you through it.
About hospice.
The most common questions families ask before choosing hospice
What exactly is hospice care and how is it different from regular medical care?
Hospice care is specialized medical care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curing an illness. It is designed for patients with a terminal diagnosis who have chosen to focus on living as fully and comfortably as possible. Unlike regular medical care, hospice does not pursue aggressive treatments, instead it prioritizes pain management, symptom control, emotional support, and family care. A full team including nurses, social workers, chaplains, and aides comes directly to the patient's home.
Does Medicare cover hospice care completely?
Yes. The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers 100% of hospice services including nursing visits, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment, home health aide visits, social worker visits, chaplain services, and bereavement support. Most patients pay nothing out of pocket. Medi-Cal also provides full coverage for qualifying California patients. We verify your benefits before care begins so there are no surprises.
Is choosing hospice the same as giving up?
Not at all, and this is one of the most important misconceptions we hear. Choosing hospice is choosing comfort, dignity, and quality of life on your own terms. Many families who choose hospice earlier actually report that their loved ones live more comfortably, with better pain management and more meaningful time with family, than patients who continue aggressive treatment. Hospice is not about giving up. It is about choosing how you want to live.
Who qualifies for hospice care?
Hospice is appropriate when a physician certifies that a patient has a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs its natural course. Common qualifying diagnoses include advanced cancer, end-stage heart or lung disease, Alzheimer's, dementia, ALS, Parkinson's, stroke-related conditions, and failure to thrive in elderly patients. If you are unsure whether your loved one qualifies, call us, we will assess the situation and give you a clear, honest answer at no charge.
Can my loved one leave hospice if their condition improves?
Absolutely. Hospice is always voluntary. If a patient's condition stabilizes or improves, they can be discharged from hospice and return to curative treatment at any time. They can also re-enroll in hospice later if needed. There is no penalty and no waiting period for returning. We will always support whatever decision the patient and family make.
How quickly can Aasta start hospice services?
In most cases we can begin services within 24 to 48 hours of receiving physician orders. For urgent situations we have same-day admissions available. The moment you call us, we begin working to get care in place as quickly as possible, including coordinating with the physician, delivering medications and equipment, and scheduling the first nursing visit.
Can hospice be provided in an assisted living facility or nursing home?
Yes. Aasta Health provides hospice services wherever your loved one calls home, private residences, assisted living communities, board and care homes, and skilled nursing facilities throughout Simi Valley, Bakersfield, Northridge, and surrounding areas. Home is wherever your loved one is most comfortable.
About home health.
Understanding skilled home health care and how it differs from hospice
What is the difference between home health and hospice?
Home health care is focused on recovery, helping patients regain function after surgery, illness, or injury through skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other services. Hospice care is focused on comfort at end of life for patients with a terminal diagnosis. Both are provided at home and covered by Medicare, but they serve very different purposes. If you are unsure which applies to your situation, call us and we will help you figure it out.
Does Medicare pay 100% for home health care?
Yes. Medicare Part A and Part B cover 100% of approved home health services, including nursing visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, and home health aide services, with no deductible and no copay for qualifying patients. Medi-Cal also provides coverage for eligible California residents. We verify your specific benefits before care begins.
What does "homebound" mean and do I qualify?
Homebound means that leaving home requires a considerable effort due to illness or injury. You can still attend medical appointments, religious services, or adult day programs and remain homebound under Medicare's definition. It does not mean you cannot leave the house at all, it means leaving is difficult or taxing. Our intake team can quickly assess your situation and tell you whether you qualify.
Can I choose Aasta Health when I am discharged from the hospital?
Absolutely. Under Medicare, you have the legal right to choose your home health agency. If a hospital discharge planner suggests a different agency, you are always free to request Aasta Health instead. We can coordinate directly with the hospital to ensure a smooth same-day or next-day transition home so there is no gap in care.
How long can someone receive home health care?
Medicare covers home health in 60-day episodes that can be renewed as long as the patient remains homebound and continues to need skilled care. There is no set limit on the total number of episodes. Your physician re-certifies the need at each renewal period, and we handle all of that paperwork and coordination on your behalf.
About assisted living.
What families most want to know before making the transition
What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living is a residential community for seniors who need help with daily activities but do not require the intensive medical care of a skilled nursing facility. The environment is home-like, residents have their own private space, enjoy communal meals and activities, and receive personalized assistance. A nursing home provides a higher level of medical care around the clock for patients with more complex clinical needs. Assisted living sits between independent living and a nursing home in terms of the level of support provided.
Does Medicare or Medi-Cal cover assisted living?
Medicare does not cover assisted living room and board costs. However, Medi-Cal's IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) program may help cover some personal care costs for eligible residents. Some long-term care insurance policies do cover assisted living. Our team can help you review your options and identify any financial assistance you may qualify for, call us and we will walk through it with you.
How often can family members visit?
Family is always welcome, we have no strict visiting hour restrictions and actively encourage families to be involved. Join meals, participate in activities, or simply spend time with your loved one. Family presence supports emotional wellbeing and gives you firsthand visibility into the quality of care your loved one receives every day.
What happens if my loved one's care needs increase over time?
Care plans are living documents that we update regularly as needs change. Because Aasta also provides hospice and home health services, we can layer clinical care directly on top of assisted living support, meaning residents can often remain in their familiar environment even as their needs increase, rather than going through the stress of relocating to a nursing facility.
Can my loved one bring their own furniture and personal belongings?
Absolutely, and we encourage it. Bringing familiar furniture, photos, and personal items makes a significant difference in how quickly a new resident feels at home. We work with families to make the room feel personal and comfortable from the very first day. A familiar environment helps with the emotional transition and gives residents a real sense of ownership over their space.
About insurance and cost.
Understanding what Medicare, Medi-Cal, and insurance cover
What insurances does Aasta Health accept?
Aasta Health accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most major private insurance plans including Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Tricare, Health Net, Molina Healthcare, and others. We verify your specific coverage before care begins so you know exactly what is covered and what, if anything, is not. Most hospice and home health patients pay nothing out of pocket.
Will Aasta verify my insurance before care starts?
Yes, always. Before any care begins, our team verifies your insurance benefits in detail and explains exactly what is covered. We never start services and surprise families with unexpected bills. Transparency about coverage is something we take seriously from the very first conversation.
What if I don't have Medicare or insurance?
Call us anyway. Our team can help you explore Medi-Cal eligibility, VA benefits if your loved one is a veteran, and other programs that may be available. We will never turn a family away without first helping them understand every option. Private pay arrangements can also be discussed for some services.
Does Medicare cover medications for hospice patients?
Yes. Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, medications related to the terminal diagnosis are covered in full, including pain medications, anti-anxiety medications, and any drugs that manage hospice-related symptoms. Medications for unrelated conditions may still be covered under Medicare Part D. We coordinate all of this on your behalf so families don't have to navigate it alone.
Not sure what kind of care you need?
That’s okay. Most families don’t. Call and we’ll help you figure it out. No pressure, no commitment.
Compassionate post-acute care serving families across Southern California. Always available. Always ready.
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