Hospice is…
A way of caring that concentrates on dignity, comfort, and improved quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Hospice addresses the needs of the whole individual, physical, emotional, and spiritual with in-home skilled medical care, pain and symptom management, and emotional support.
Since a life-limiting illness affects the family as well as the patient, families are an important focus of our care. Our services for families include caregiver education, emotional and spiritual support, assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and respite care.
When is it time for hospice care?
It is time for hospice when a patient’s focus has shifted from curative measures to making the most of life and spending quality time with family. Hospice care is most beneficial the sooner it begins. Many people are not referred early enough to take advantage of all that hospice has to offer. Families and patients receive the most benefit from hospice when hospice is in the home for three months or longer.
Where is hospice care received?
While hospice care is generally provided in-home, we deliver hospice services wherever our patients call home— private homes, apartments, assisted living communities, and nursing homes.
Is hospice care expensive?
Hospice care is very affordable. Medicare pays 100% of allowable charges related to the hospice diagnosis, including charges for medications, durable medical equipment, medical supplies, and respite care. Hospice care is also covered by many insurances.
Diagnoses
Some common diagnoses that are included in hospice care include the end stages of the following diseases:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Liver Disease
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Kidney Diseases and Kidney Failure
- Cardiac and Pulmonary Diseases such as CHF/COPD
- Neurological Diseases
- Stroke
Those who are experiencing severe multi-symptom decline and stopping aggressive treatment may also be eligible for hospice.