Hospice
It’s Not a Place, but a Quality of Life
It can be uncomfortable to simply talk about getting older and the health concerns that sometimes accompany the aging process; no one wants to admit it’s happening to them, so the idea of you or a loved one facing a life-limiting illness often seems taboo to even discuss. Our hospice teams are proud to offer transparent programs that are working to take the stigma out of end-of-life care, and instead talk openly about what we’re all here to do: enable you or your loved one to be alert and pain-free, living each day as fully as possible and reaffirming life. We’re focused on comfort, support and quality of life.
Hospice Team
Hospice involves a team-oriented approach, including expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to each resident’s needs and wishes. Support is provided to the resident’s loved ones as well. At the center of our hospice services is the belief that each of us has the right to pass pain-free with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
Your hospice team includes:
- Medical Director – A physician that directs and approves the plan of care, including pain and symptom management expertise.
- Skilled Nursing – Provides pain and symptom management and nursing care. Nurses available 24/7.
- Social Worker – Provides emotional support and counseling, and if there are financial needs, helps the family access community services.
- Hospice Aide – Assists with patient’s personal care and companionship.
- Chaplain – Offers spiritual support and assistance with memorial and funeral arrangements.
- Volunteer – Assists with non-medical services such as running errands, light housekeeping and companionship.
Medicare Quick Facts
Medicare Part A covers hospice care IF you/your loved one meet ALL of these conditions:
- Your hospice doctor and your primary doctor (if you have one) certify that you’re terminally ill – ONLY these two individuals can make this certification
- You accept palliative care for comfort rather than care to cure your illness
- You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions
Your costs in traditional Medicare*:
- $0 for hospice care
- You may need to pay a copay of no more than $5 for each prescription drug and other similar products for pain relief and symptom control while you’re at home
- You may need to pay 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite (temporary) care provided in a hospital, hospice inpatient facility or nursing home
- Medicare does not cover room and board when you receive hospice care in your home or another facility where you live (like an Edgewood community or a nursing home)
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