Frequently asked questions
Quick, honest answers. Call or text 609.227.2400 for anything else.
About hospice
What is hospice care?
Hospice is specialized care for people with a life-limiting illness that focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than cure, addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs for the patient and family.
Who qualifies for hospice care?
People with a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course, as certified by a physician, who choose comfort-focused care.
When is it time to consider hospice?
Common signs include frequent hospital or ER visits, significant weight loss, frequent falls, being mostly in a bed or chair, shortness of breath at rest, and needing help with daily activities.
Does choosing hospice mean giving up?
No. Hospice shifts the focus to comfort, dignity and time with family. Patients can stop hospice at any time.
What's the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative care eases symptoms of a serious illness at any stage, alongside other treatment. Hospice is for people with a life expectancy of six months or less who choose comfort care instead of curative treatment. Serenity offers both.
Cost and coverage
Who pays for hospice care in New Jersey?
For eligible patients, hospice is covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit under Part A, by NJ Medicaid, and by most private insurance. With Medicare, patients usually pay nothing for hospice care apart from a possible copay of up to $5 per prescription and 5% for inpatient respite care.
Does Medicare cover the hospice inpatient unit?
Medicare covers short-term general inpatient care when pain or symptoms can't be managed at home, such as care at Serenity's unit at RWJUH Hamilton.
Which insurance plans does Serenity accept?
[Named insurance and Medicaid managed care plans to confirm]
Serenity Hospice Care
Where does Serenity provide hospice care?
In all 21 New Jersey counties: at home, in assisted living communities and nursing facilities, and at the Serenity Hospice Inpatient Unit at RWJUH Hamilton.
Can I text Serenity?
Yes. You can call or text 609.227.2400.
Is Serenity Hospice accredited?
Yes. Serenity Hospice Care is accredited by CHAP, the Community Health Accreditation Program.
Is help available at night and on weekends?
Yes. Serenity's on-call team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What bereavement support do you offer families?
Professionally trained grief counselors support family members and others who are grieving for a year after a loss.
How quickly can hospice start?
[Typical time from referral to admission visit to confirm]