Hospice is a compassionate approach to caring for those who are faced with a life-limiting illness. Hospice provides patients and their families with supportive services that not only keep the patient comfortable and educate the family, but also provide emotional support.

Many people think that hospice is a place, but really it is a philosophy of care.  Whether a patient is living in the home he or she has owned for years, a nursing home or assisted living, hospice care can be tailored to fit the patient’s and family’s unique situation.

The typical hospice team consists of the patient’s physician and the hospice physician; registered nurses; social workers; spiritual care coordinators; bereavement counselors; dietitians; pharmacists; physical, occupational and speech therapists; home care aides; and volunteers.  Some patients even benefit from music, art and massage therapists, as well.

Access to hospice is based upon a documented life-limiting prognosis by a certified physician and the patient’s decision to elect to receive hospice benefits.  Hospice is a 100 percent-covered benefit under Medicare.  Hospice care is also covered under Medicaid and many insurance plans.