Mesothelioma Hospice Care

Facing a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially in the final stages of the disease. When curative treatment options are no longer effective, hospice care can provide comfort, dignity, and compassionate support. Learn how to best manage your mesothelioma symptoms throughout the final stages.

Fact-Checked and Updated by: Jenna Tozzi, RN

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What Is Mesothelioma Hospice Care?

Mesothelioma hospice care is a form of supportive care designed for terminally ill patients when curative treatment for mesothelioma is no longer an option.

At this stage, the focus shifts toward improving comfort, minimizing distress, and helping families navigate this difficult time. In hospice, doctors and nurses handle pain management and dietary needs. They may also offer counseling and support for patients who require late-stage care.

Hospice services can be provided in various settings, such as a nursing home, cancer center, or the patient’s home.

Hospice care teams may include:

  • Caregivers
  • Health care providers
  • Nurses
  • Social workers
  • Spiritual advisors

Patients can receive pain management, emotional support, and assistance with daily activities as they transition through the final stages of the disease.

Get support as you navigate hospice care by speaking with one of our Patient Advocates. We can help you understand your options and connect with reputable providers.

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Hospice Care vs. Palliative Care for Mesothelioma

While hospice care and palliative care both focus on relieving mesothelioma symptoms and improving well-being, they serve different roles in a patient’s journey.

  • Palliative treatments can be provided alongside medical treatment (like immunotherapy or radiation therapy) to relieve side effects and improve quality of life while a patient is still pursuing treatment.
  • Hospice care is offered to late-stage mesothelioma patients who have stopped seeking curative treatments and wish to focus solely on comfort and dignity.

Both options provide care services such as pain medication, mental health support, and respite care for caregivers, but hospice is specific to those in the final stages of the disease.

Benefits of Hospice Care for Mesothelioma Patients

Hospice care can offer peace of mind for both mesothelioma patients and their families. It ensures that pain and side effects are managed effectively, while also providing emotional and practical support.

Benefits of hospice care for mesothelioma include:

  1. Pain management and relief from side effects
  2. Mental health and spiritual support for emotional well-being
  3. Assistance with daily tasks from trained caregivers
  4. Support for family members coping with loss

Eligibility for Mesothelioma Hospice Care

A mesothelioma patient typically becomes eligible for hospice care when a health care provider determines they have a life expectancy of 6 months or less.

These factors may also indicate mesothelioma hospice is appropriate:

  • Rapid physical decline despite ongoing cancer treatment, including clinical trials
  • Severe side effects from palliative treatments that reduce quality of life
  • Increased shortness of breath, mobility challenges, and loss of daily function
  • A personal decision to discontinue aggressive medical care and prioritize comfort and symptom management

If you or a loved one meets these criteria, discussing hospice care with your mesothelioma care team can help you make an informed decision on next steps.

Mesothelioma Hospice Care Levels

Mesothelioma hospice care is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is offered in different levels to accommodate the changing needs of mesothelioma cancer patients.

The four levels of hospice include:

  • Routine home care
  • Continuous home care
  • Inpatient hospice care
  • Respite care

These levels ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care based on their symptoms, condition, and preferences.

Hospice Home Care

For many mesothelioma patients, remaining in a familiar setting is important for their well-being. Hospice home care allows patients to receive care in their own home or a family member’s residence.

A hospice home care plan for mesothelioma patients may include:

  • Assistance with personal care, such as bathing and dressing
  • Coordination of medications, equipment, and other necessities for quality of life
  • Emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and their loved ones
  • Medical professionals who are on-call for emergencies
  • Regular visits from hospice nurses, aides, and caregivers to monitor symptoms and provide pain management

Inpatient Hospice Care

Some cancer patients require a higher level of medical care than what can be provided at home. People in the final stages of mesothelioma may need to stay at a facility for high-level care and quick management of medical crises.

Inpatient hospice care is available at a nursing home, hospice facility, or cancer center.

An inpatient hospice care plan for mesothelioma may look like:

  • 24/7 access to health care providers and specialized hospice teams
  • Access to mental health resources, including therapy and support groups
  • Advanced symptom and pain management to ensure comfort
  • Assistance with daily activities and emotional support

Get help finding an inpatient or in-home hospice care provider. Call our team at (866) 608-8933 for free support right now.

End-of-Life Mesothelioma Hospice Services

During the final stages of mesothelioma, care focuses on ensuring peace and comfort for both the patient and their family members.

This compassionate and tailored support can ease the transition, helping families make important end-of-life decisions.

These hospice services often include:

  • Emotional counseling for patients and families to help process grief
  • Spiritual support to honor personal beliefs and provide comfort
  • Respite care for caregivers, allowing them to rest while trained professionals provide care
  • Bereavement support for families after their loved one has passed

Mesothelioma Hospice Care Costs & Insurance

The cost of mesothelioma hospice can vary based on the level of care required, the setting, and the patient’s insurance coverage.

Many hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.

Coverage may include:

  • Pain medication and symptom relief
  • Caregivers and support groups
  • Respite care for family members

For those without insurance, other options may be available, including charitable programs and financial assistance.

Compensation Options for Mesothelioma Hospice Care

Patients may also be able to cover the costs of hospice care by filing asbestos claims with the help of a mesothelioma law firm.

Common options for mesothelioma compensation include:

  • Asbestos trust fund payouts: These funds, which today contain over $30 billion, were established to help people diagnosed with mesothelioma afford medical expenses.
  • Mesothelioma lawsuit settlements: Legal claims against responsible asbestos companies may provide compensation for medical care and hospice services. Most families receive over $1 million on average.
  • VA benefits: Veterans exposed to asbestos during their military service may qualify for tax-free monthly disability payments through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which can cover hospice care costs.

Most families pursuing compensation for mesothelioma get their first payouts in 90 days or less.

Get a Free Case Review now to see if you qualify.

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Shara Fisher
Shara Fisher Senior Paralegal
17+ years providing legal help to mesothelioma victims

Tips for Choosing a Mesothelioma Hospice Care Facility

When selecting hospice care for yourself or a loved one with mesothelioma, there are some things to consider to ensure you find the right fit.

Things to consider for mesothelioma and hospice care:

  1. National accreditation: Recognition from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization shows the facility is dedicated to providing high-quality mesothelioma end-of-life care.
  2. Spiritual and mental health resources: It’s crucial to have the proper kind of support readily available in the final stages of mesothelioma.
  3. Staff-to-patient ratio: A high staff-to-patient ratio ensures you or your loved one will get the care you need and deserve.
  4. Testimonials: The best facilities are backed by positive ratings from families who have been helped in the past.

Is Mesothelioma Hospice Care Right for You or a Loved One?

Deciding on hospice care for mesothelioma treatment is a personal choice that depends on various factors.

You may consider hospice care if:

  • You or your loved one is no longer responding to mesothelioma treatments.
  • Medical professionals recommend focusing on quality of life and end-of-life care.
  • Comfort is prioritized over invasive medical procedures.
  • Managing mesothelioma symptoms at home has become challenging.

Find Mesothelioma Hospice Care Near You

Choosing mesothelioma hospice is a deeply personal decision. By knowing your care options, you can ensure that you or your loved one receives the compassionate, dignified care you deserve.

Our team is here to help you:

  • Find hospice care in your area
  • Pursue palliative care and pain management
  • Seek financial compensation to cover your expenses

Get in touch with our team today through our contact form or by calling us at (866) 608-8933.

Mesothelioma Hospice Care FAQs

What happens in mesothelioma hospice care?

Mesothelioma hospice focuses on comfort, symptom relief, and emotional support, rather than curative treatments. A mesothelioma hospice care provider will help you choose a level of hospice care that is right for your needs while respecting your wishes.

You’ll also have access to spiritual counselors of choice, therapists, and other mesothelioma resources that help you and your loved ones prepare for the transition.

What is usually not included in hospice care?

Hospice does not cover clinical trials or aggressive cancer treatment aimed at curing mesothelioma. Instead, it focuses on providing comfort, symptom management, and end-of-life support.

Can I use a mesothelioma settlement to pay for hospice care?

Yes, compensation from mesothelioma lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, and VA benefits can cover hospice expenses.

We can connect you with reputable mesothelioma lawyers who can help you prepare and file your asbestos claim and secure the financial support that you and your family deserve. Get a free case review now to get started.

Jenna TozziWritten by:

Chief Patient Care Advisor

Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.

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References
  1. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Hospice care. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/end-of-life-care/hospice-care.html
  2. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). What is hospice care? Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/end-of-life-care/hospice-care/what-is-hospice-care.html
  3. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Who provides hospice care?. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/end-of-life-care/hospice-care/who-provides-hospice-care.html
  4. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Managing distress. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/emotional-mood-changes/distress/managing-distress.html
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