Hospice care is designed to provide physical and emotional support to individuals and their families who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. The goal of Hospice is to enable patients to spend their last days with dignity, symptom free, making their own decisions, and maintaining quality of life. Most receive care in their own homes or the home of loved ones.
Hospice care is also available to residents of several area nursing homes.
Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare and Medicaid, which also provides medication, supplies, and equipment associated with the terminal illness. Most insurance companies now offer policies that include hospice benefits. A Hospice staff member will discuss the program with the patient, family, and physician. The Hospice Team, which includes patient, caregiver, medical professionals, clergy, and volunteers, supports those coping with issues surrounding death and dying. The Hospice Team provides part-time intermittent visits to ensure the patient's comfort in their home.