Hospice is about living well for each day of the several months remaining when a serious illness affects a family. Hospice is not about “a good death,” and it is not for the last days of life.

Hospice is for those whose serious illness is not curable, who wish to be cared for at home rather than in a hospital or facility, and whose family and caregiver need medical and care-team support to make that possible. Hospice is for those who understand that, even when one can’t be “fixed” medically, how they feel each day still matters, what you’re fighting for–what makes life worth living–still matters.

Our hospice home care program is designed to provide compassionate, expert care for patients as well as their caregivers and families:

Hospice home care is especially important for those who:

• wish to avoid re-hospitalizations or ER visits
• are focused on achieving high quality of life
• have found that curative treatments are no longer helpful
• prefer to be at home, surrounded by the people and places they love
• want the caregiver and family to have support, too
• want help managing pain & symptoms, so you can focus on living each day to the fullest

Families who choose hospice care have told us they most appreciate:

• 24/7 nurse availability
• nurse aids who help with light housekeeping and personal care
• weekly nursing visits to manage pain & symptoms–and more often, as needed
• majority of supplies, medical equipment, and medications covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit and delivered to the home
• the availability of a social worker to help with benefits and resources, and a chaplain for spiritual support

COMMON CONCERNS

Will I get to keep my own doctors?  YES. Our staff will work alongside your doctors and their staff to provide your care. If your primary doctor wishes to remain part of your care, our orders will come from him or her.

Do I have to wait on a doctor to refer me to hospice?  NO. You can call Hospice Care Plus anytime to ask about services.

Isn’t hospice care just for the last days?  NO. In fact, a national study found that, on average, patients who choose hospice lived 29 days longer than patients who did not have hospice care.  In addition, the patients reported better quality of care.

Isn’t it expensive?  NO. The cost of care is covered by the Hospice Medicare Benefit, Medicaid, private insurance, and donations to our non-profit organization. We provide care for all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Don’t I have to keep hospice forever once I have it? NO. If having hospice care does not help you meet your goals of receiving care at home, avoiding hospitalization, and having your symptoms managed, you can choose to stop receiving hospice services.

What if, right now, I just want to ask questions?  GREAT. Asking questions is a good place to begin. Call us anytime, and we’ll take the time to talk with you about your situation, your needs, your hopes, and your concerns.

“My husband was given wonderful care and was treated with respect and dignity. Everyone was great to me and to my family. Thank you.”

–caregiver of a Hospice Care Plus patient