Hospice is available for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by your physician and a hospice medical director. For more information, ask your physician.

Our interdisciplinary team includes:

• Medical director
• Nurses
• Certified nursing assistants
• Social workers
• Chaplains
• Registered dietitians
• Massage therapists
• Physical, occupational and speech therapists
• Specially trained volunteers for companionship 

We work with you, your loved ones and physicians to offer a personal hospice care plan to meet your goals and care preferences.

Hospice care is provided based on your needs and situation. It can be anywhere a patient calls home, including a private residence, nursing home or group home.

Care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hospice team works with you and your physicians to create a plan and schedule based on your needs.

Hospice care manages symptoms and discomfort for the best quality of life and to minimize pain and discomfort. Most patients can reach an acceptable level of comfort with a combination of medication, counseling and therapies. We try to reach your preferred balance of relief and awareness.

No. Hospice care manages symptoms and discomfort for the best quality of life and to minimize pain and discomfort. Choosing hospice does not mean death is imminent. 

No, however, a hospice-registered nurse is available via phone 24 hours a day.

Patients should have a primary caregiver; often they are a loved one. Our team works closely with caregivers to educate and empower them. Additionally, we provide caregiver support, education and guidance. Patients can contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even on holidays and weekends.

You can stop participating in hospice at any time. You can also reapply for hospice later if needed.

Anyone can. It is best to contact us early in a serious illness, even if you are not sure if hospice is your preferred option. Often, we can explain your options. We will explain hospice services in detail and answer your questions.

Our physicians and nurses are familiar with symptoms that indicate that a person may qualify for hospice. If your loved one experiences any of the following, please contact their care team to discuss if hospice care is an option.

• They make many visits to the emergency department or hospital for complications of disease.
• They call their physician’s office frequently.
• They have more pain and current pain medications seem less effective.
• They have shortness of breath, even while resting.
• They have significant, unintentional weight loss.
• They spend most of their time in a chair or bed.
• They need helps with most everyday activities.
• They fall frequently.
• They choose to focus on quality of life and comfort rather than curing a disease.

Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover hospice care. Review your plan or call your insurance company to verify your coverage.

Most hospice patients are eligible for the Medicare Hospice Benefit. This is an inclusive benefit that covers 100% of all services related to the life-limiting illness.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers at-home hospice care.

Hospice care provided in a nursing facility is covered by Medicare. However, the Medicare Hospice Benefit does not cover expenses associated with room and board. These costs may be covered by Medicaid if the patient is eligible.

Most hospice patients are eligible for the Medicare Hospice Benefit. This is an inclusive benefit that covers 100% of all services related to the life-limiting illness.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers at-home hospice care. 

Hospice care provided in a nursing facility is covered by Medicare. However, the Medicare Hospice Benefit does not cover expenses associated with room and board. These costs may be covered by Medicaid if the patient is eligible.

If the patient’s symptoms cannot be managed by the routine level of hospice care, Medicare Part A will pay for more levels of service, such as 24/7 continuous care or inpatient hospice care.

Medicare Hospice Benefit covers everything involved in hospice care, such as:

• An interdisciplinary team of hospice professionals
• Home medical equipment
• Medication
• Respite care
• Continuous care
• Inpatient care
• Routine home care
• Bereavement support

While most hospice care is covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, it does not include:

• Curative treatment, including any prescription drugs related to curative treatment
• Emergency department care not related to the patient’s terminal diagnosis or not arranged by their hospice provider
• Costs associated with food, room fees or rent for assisted living facilities and nursing homes (Exception: Mortgages or rent and food for hospice patients living at home who are experiencing a medical crisis due to worsening symptoms and who are staying in an inpatient unit for the short term)

It depends. To be eligible for hospice, a physician must diagnose a patient with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. However, sometimes patients live beyond this six-month period.

If the hospice medical director or physician determines that the patient is no longer terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or less, they must discharge the patient.

If the patient’s terminal illness continues, they can be recertified for hospice. The Medicare Hospice 
Benefit covers an unlimited number of 90-90-60 day recertifications as long as the patient is eligible for hospice.

Patients’ physicians are involved in recertification as they continue to monitor patient status and prognosis.

Home health care

• Intended for recovery from illness, surgery or injury
• Aims to educate and help patients recover, regain function and become independent in their own care
• Length of service depends on care goals and physician’s orders
• Must be homebound
• Care focused on the patient and family/caregiver education
• Team includes:
• Registered nurse
• Wound care nurse
• Behavioral health nurse
• Telehealth nurse
• Certified nurse aide
• Physical therapist
• Speech therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Dietitian
• Social workers

Hospice care

• Patient must have prognosis of six months or less to live
• Goals are comfort and quality of life
• Care can last up to six months, longer if your physician recertifies limited life expectancy
• No homebound requirement
• Available for skilled nursing facilities and short stays during inpatient care
• Care focused on patient and family/caregiver support (through bereavement counseling, social work and chaplain services)
• Team includes:
• Registered nurse
• Wound care nurse
• Behavioral health nurse
• Certified nurse aide
• Physical therapist
• Speech therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Dietitian
• Social workers
• Chaplains
• Massage therapist
• Volunteers

• Care is tailored to your needs
• Focuses on safety, independence and avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations
• Occasional visits by your care team
• Requires a physician’s order
• Care can be provided at home or in assisted living facilities or group homes
• 24-hour on-call availability

Yes. Gifts and donations in memory of someone special provide meaningful support for hospice care. Your generosity can help bring comfort and healing to people receiving end-of-life care.

Hospice memorial donations fund hospice services, pay for staff training and support hospice projects.

Learn more here.