Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing hospice care is one of the most important decisions a family can make. We understand you may have questions, about what hospice is, how it works, and what to expect. We're here to provide clear, honest answers so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

If you don't find the answer you're looking for below, our team at Polaris Hospice is available 24/7 to help. No question is too small, we're here for you.

Polaris Hospice team answering frequently asked questions about hospice care

We understand you may have questions about hospice care. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from families throughout Arizona.

General Hospice Questions

Hospice care is specialized end-of-life care designed for individuals with a terminal illness who are expected to live six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. Rather than seeking a cure, hospice focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and quality of life through expert pain and symptom management, emotional support, and spiritual care.

At Polaris Hospice, our care team, including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, and volunteers, works together to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Learn more about our hospice care services.

The right time to consider hospice is when a patient has a terminal illness and curative treatment is no longer effective or desired. Many families wait too long to begin hospice, which limits the comfort and support their loved one can receive. Early enrollment allows patients and families to benefit from symptom management, emotional guidance, and caregiver support sooner.

Signs that hospice may be appropriate include frequent hospitalizations, progressive weight loss, increasing difficulty with daily activities, or a physician's recommendation. If you're unsure, call us at (602) 710-7589, we can help you assess the situation.

Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient calls home. This includes private residences, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and memory care communities. At Polaris Hospice, we bring care directly to our patients throughout Arizona's East and West Valley communities, so they can remain in a familiar and comfortable environment surrounded by loved ones.

No. Choosing hospice care is not about giving up, it's about choosing comfort, dignity, and quality of life when curative treatment is no longer effective. Hospice allows patients to spend their remaining time focused on what matters most: meaningful moments with family, relief from pain, and peace of mind. It is one of the most compassionate decisions a family can make.

Polaris Hospice Services

Polaris Hospice provides comprehensive end-of-life care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Our services include:

  • Pain and symptom management
  • Medication management
  • Counseling and spiritual care
  • Therapy services (physical, occupational, speech)
  • Nutrition services
  • Durable medical equipment and supplies
  • Respite care for family caregivers
  • Bereavement support for up to 13 months

View our full list of hospice care services.

Polaris Hospice proudly serves patients and families throughout Arizona's East and West Valley communities, including Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, and surrounding areas. We bring compassionate, high-quality care directly to wherever our patients call home.

Your Polaris Hospice care team is a group of dedicated healthcare professionals who work together to provide 24/7 support. The team includes:

  • Physician, Medical oversight and care planning
  • Nurses (RN/LPN), Skilled nursing care and symptom management
  • Hospice Aide, Personal care assistance and daily living support
  • Social Worker, Emotional support and resource coordination
  • Chaplain, Spiritual care and counseling services
  • Volunteers, Companionship and additional family support

Yes. Our team is available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide care and support whenever it's needed. Whether it's a medical concern in the middle of the night or a question on a weekend, you can always reach us at (602) 710-7589.

Eligibility & Coverage

To qualify for hospice care, a patient must have a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less, as certified by a physician. The patient (or their representative) must choose to focus on comfort care rather than curative treatment. Common qualifying conditions include cancer, dementia, congestive heart failure, COPD, ALS, renal disease, liver disease, and other serious illnesses.

Our team at Polaris Hospice coordinates with your family and medical providers to assess eligibility and create a personalized care plan. Learn more about hospice eligibility.

Yes. Original Medicare (Part A) covers hospice care services when certain conditions are met. The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers most hospice-related costs, including nursing care, medications for symptom management, medical equipment, counseling, and respite care, meaning patients and families typically pay little to nothing out of pocket.

Polaris Hospice is a Medicare-certified hospice provider. Learn more about Medicare hospice coverage.

Yes. AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, provides hospice coverage for eligible patients. AHCCCS hospice coverage includes skilled nursing, physician oversight, medications related to the terminal illness, medical supplies, counseling, and bereavement support. For patients dually eligible for both Medicare and AHCCCS, Medicare serves as the primary payer and AHCCCS may cover additional costs.

Learn more about AHCCCS hospice coverage.

Financial concerns should never prevent someone from receiving compassionate end-of-life care. Many patients are surprised to learn they qualify for coverage they didn't know about. Our team can help explore all available options, including Medicare and AHCCCS eligibility you may not be aware of.

If you're unsure about your coverage or ability to pay, please reach out, we'll walk you through your options honestly and help find a solution that works for your family. Learn more about hospice care without insurance.

Family & Caregiver Support

Hospice care supports the entire family, not just the patient. At Polaris Hospice, we provide caregiver education and training, emotional counseling, respite care (so caregivers can rest and recharge), and practical guidance on what to expect throughout the care journey. Our social workers and chaplains are available to help families navigate the emotional and spiritual challenges of end-of-life care.

Explore our caregiver resources.

Bereavement support is grief counseling and emotional care provided to family members after a patient's passing. At Polaris Hospice, our commitment doesn't end with a patient's passing, we offer bereavement services for up to 13 months to help loved ones cope with loss and find comfort during an incredibly difficult time.

Learn more about our grief and bereavement services.

Absolutely. Family involvement is a central part of hospice care. Loved ones are encouraged to be present, participate in the care plan, and spend meaningful time with the patient. Our team works around the family's schedule and preferences to ensure everyone feels supported and included throughout the journey.

Getting started is simple. You can call us at (602) 710-7589 any time, day or night, or fill out the contact form below. A referral can come from a physician, hospital, family member, or even the patient themselves. Our team will guide you through every step, from eligibility assessment to care plan creation, so you never have to navigate this alone.

Still Have Questions?

"Our team is available 24/7 to help you understand your options and provide the support you need. No question is too small, we're here for you and your family every step of the way."

Polaris Hospice, LLC

Glendale, Arizona

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Reach out to our caring team for more information today.

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Compassionate hospice care female caregiver smiling and comforting elderly patient in a cozy living room setting

Contact Information

Polaris Hospice, LLC
Glendale, Arizona
(602) 710-7589
polarish2021@gmail.com