Enter an E-Referral Hospice Care Services Our Difference Find Hospice Services Nearest You Contact Us Resources Hospice Services The Service We Offer: Levels of Care Your Hospice Care Team Hospice Eligibility Hospice Coverage & Cost What Is Hospice and Palliative Care? Hospice Care Hospice is a specialized type of care with a compassionate approach for those facing a life-limiting illness, as well as their families. Hospice care treats the whole person, with a focus on improving the quality of life that remains, rather than trying to cure the disease. The hospice concept affirms life; it does not hasten or postpone death. The goal is to manage a patient’s pain and symptoms so that they may live each day as comfortably and fully as possible. Through a team-oriented approach, hospice provides patients with expert medical care, pain management and symptom relief. In addition, emotional, spiritual, psychosocial and practical support is provided for both patients and families with questions or concerns at the end of life. The hospice care team is available 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. As a service, hospice is provided in the place the patient calls home. This can be a private residence, a nursing home or residential facility, or at a contracted inpatient facility or hospital. Hospice services also include: Medication for pain control and symptom management related to a patient’s terminal diagnosis Medical supplies for care Medical equipment, such as beds and oxygen Support with daily activities and personal care Education and assistance for caregivers Specialized therapy services, as needed Companionship and supportive community resources Bereavement services for loved ones. Palliative Care Palliative care is a medical specialty centered on managing the physical and emotional impact of serious illness. It focuses on effective communication, coordination of care, and relief from pain, stress, and other debilitating symptoms. It differs from hospice in that palliative care can be given at any time during a patient’s illness. Since it is not dependent on the prognosis, palliative care can be given while still pursuing a cure. Learn More Hospice Services The Heart to Heart Hospice team focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients with a life-limiting illness and their loved ones by developing a personalized care plan that meets each patient’s needs and wishes. We provide compassionate care for patients with a wide range of life-limiting illnesses, including but not limited to: Cancer, Heart disease, Stroke and Coma, Lung disease, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Multiple sclerosis, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s and AIDS. Hospice is a service, or philosophy of care, that is provided in the place the patient calls home. In addition to a private residence, this includes nursing homes and residential facilities. Hospice patients may also receive services at a contracted inpatient facility or hospital; and short-term inpatient care may be provided to help manage pain and control symptoms when needed. Receiving comprehensive care in the environment in which they feel most comfortable will ensure the patient’s dignity is well-preserved. The hospice care team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will make regular scheduled visits to assess the patient and provide quality care for the patient and their loved ones. In addition to caring for the patient, Heart to Heart Hospice strives to provide excellent caregiver support. When the patient’s primary caregiver needs respite time as a relief from their responsibilities, the patient can go into short term inpatient care. Emotional and spiritual support, as well as bereavement care and counseling are offered for up to 13 months to surviving family and friends. Learn More Regular Hospice Services What We Provide: Manage the patients pain and symptoms Provide needed medications, medical supplies, and medical equipment Maintain patient’s comfort, including regular assessments and support for their loved ones Assist patients with personal care and activities of daily living Instruct families on how to properly care for the patients Deliver special services such as speech and physical therapy when needed Spiritual advisors or chaplains to help patients and families with questions or concerns at the end of life Volunteers to provide companionship and community resources to support patients and their families Bereavement services and counseling to help families deal with grief, which continues for up to 13 months Heart to Heart provides quality hospice care in metropolitan areas in Texas, Michigan, and Indiana including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Detroit and Indianapolis, as well as in more rural communities throughout these states. If you think that hospice care might be right for you or your loved one, please contact one of our office locations near you so that we can setup an appointment to discuss our services and answer any questions you may have. Learn More Enter an E-Referral Hospice Care What is Hospice? Is It Time for Hospice Myths & Facts About Hospice Eligibility & Paying for Hospice Services Levels of Care Core Services Clinical Therapies Family & Caregiver Support Grief & Bereavement Specialty Programs Care Team Our Difference Why Heart to Heart Hospice? History of Heart to Heart Hospice Our Mission & Values Testimonials Accreditations Heart to Heart Foundation Find a Career Become a Volunteer News and Media Our Service Areas Contact Us Resources Patient & Family Handbook Blog