Of course not! When treatment options for a disease have been exhausted or no longer work, hospice provides a way for people to live in comfort, peace and dignity without curative care. Hospice isn’t about giving up, but about improving the quality of the patient’s life by being free of pain, surrounded by family and in the comfort of home.

Hospice care treats the person rather than the disease and focuses on quality of life. It surrounds the patient and family with a team consisting of professionals who not only address physical distress, but emotional and spiritual issues as well. Hospice care is patient-centered because the needs of the patient and family drive the activities of the hospice team.

Now is the best time to learn more about hospice and ask questions about what to expect from hospice services.  Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern.  This can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice is needed.  By having these discussions in advance, patients are not forced into uncomfortable situations.  Instead, patients can make an educated decision that includes the advice and input of family members and loved ones.

Hospice care is available ‘on-call’ after the administrative office has closed, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  We  have nurses available to respond to a call for help within minutes, if necessary.  We also have a chaplain and social worker available on call as well.

Many patients may have pain and other serious symptoms as illness progresses.  Our staff have had years of hospice experience and have received special training in order to make sure we are supplying our patients with the best care possible. Because keeping the patient comfortable and pain-free is an important part of hospice care.  Our staff work with the patient’s physician to make sure that medication, therapies, and procedures are designed to achieve the goals outlined in the patient’s care plan.  The care plan is reviewed frequently to make sure any changes and new goals are in the plan.

A patient or their family have the right to stop hospice at any time to resume curative care. Alternatively, some hospice patients can actually “graduate” off hospice if their life expectation goes beyond six months.

In its simplest terms, hospice care is for patients who have been given a prognosis of death within six months while palliative care is for those with life-limiting or chronic conditions.

Yes, we care certified by Medicare.

We are accredited by ACHC, Accreditation Commission for Health Care. The highest level of accreditation.

Absolutely,  you and your family are in charge of your care. We are here to help you and your family through it in anyway possible.

Hospice offers social workers and counselors to help the family make emotional adjustments to the illness and its progression. They also can offer guidance in living wills and advance directives. Chaplains offer spiritual support as requested. Certified home health aides help by providing patient physical care and hygiene. Special equipment needs and pharmacists are also available.