Frequently asked questions

When is hospice the right decision?

The decision to seek hospice care is an important one. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, there may come a time when efforts to slow the illness are not working and become more harmful than helpful. If that time comes, you might want to consider the benefits of hospice care.

Deciding the right time is a personal choice. Patients tend to transition to hospice when they have decided to stop curative or aggressive treatments. Hospice focuses on comfort, not curing, with the fundamental principle that each of us has the right to die comfortably and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.

The earlier we start working with a patient and their family, the bigger difference that we can make in their quality of life. 

Where is hospice care provided?

Now more than ever, patients and their families want the peace of mind that comes from receiving care and support for an advanced illness at home. If the home is a facility, we can also provide care in an assisted living community, adult foster home, memory care or nursing home. No matter where you live, you can count on us.   

Who is eligible to receive hospice services?

Medicare Part A sets forth the criteria for the hospice benefit and most other insurers also follow these guidelines. The criteria for hospice eligibility are established by state and federal regulations and require certification by a hospice physician stating that an individual has a life-limiting illness. The eligibility requires that the physician certify the patient has six months or less to live if the disease follows its usual course. There are no illnesses or treatments that automatically exclude access to hospice care. Eligibility is established on a case-by-case basis. For any questions, please contact our staff to discuss hospice services and eligibility.   

What are the common signs that end-of-life care may be the right choice for yourself or a loved one?

• You have decided to no longer receive treatments to cure your illness.
• A provider has given you a prognosis of six months or less if the illness were to run its normal course.
• There are no further treatments available, and you want to focus care on comfort and relieving symptoms.
• You have an increase in pain, nausea, breathing difficulties or other symptoms impacting your quality of life.
• You want to stay at home rather than have to return to the hospital for care.