Also Known As:
Medical supplies, hospice consumables, incontinence supplies
Type:
Medical supply service
Primary Purpose:
To provide all medical supplies related to the terminal diagnosis and symptom management, so families never have to source, pay for, or run out.
When It Applies:
From admission onward, as the patient’s plan of care requires.
Who Is Involved:
The hospice nurse coordinates orders; a contracted supply company delivers.
Where It Occurs:
Delivered to the patient’s residence, home, assisted-living, or nursing facility.
Duration:
Continuously throughout the hospice stay.
Coverage:
100% covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit when related to the terminal diagnosis.
Key Focus:
Incontinence supplies, wound care, gloves, basic personal-care items, ostomy supplies, and anything else the plan of care identifies.
Common Misunderstanding:
Many families don’t realize supplies are included on top of durable medical equipment. The hospice benefit covers both, supplies are the consumable items, DME is the reusable equipment.
What Counts as a Hospice Supply
Supplies are the consumable, single-use items the patient needs each day. Lifted delivers and replenishes:
- Adult incontinence briefs (sized for the patient)
- Underpads (chux) for bed protection
- Wound-care supplies, dressings, gauze, tape, saline
- Disposable gloves
- Mouth swabs and oral care supplies
- Skin barrier creams and lotions
- Ostomy and catheter supplies (when applicable)
- Feeding tube supplies (when applicable)
- Personal hygiene items
Supplies vs. Durable Medical Equipment
Supplies are consumable. DME is the reusable equipment, hospital bed, oxygen, wheelchair, commode. Hospice covers both, and the nurse coordinates orders for whatever your loved one needs.
If you find yourself buying briefs, wound care, or basic personal-care items out of pocket, ask the nurse. The vast majority of those items are covered.
How Supply Delivery Works
The admitting nurse identifies initial supply needs during the first visit. Deliveries arrive within 24–48 hours, often the same day. Reorders happen automatically as supplies run low, the nurse tracks usage at each visit. Families never have to chase a supply company.
If something is missing or running low, call your nurse or the 24/7 line. Contact us with questions.