The Hospice Team:
Hospice care provides an interdisciplinary team approach which addresses physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs.  The team is comprised of physicians, palliative care nurses, social workers, clergy, home health aides and volunteers.  The patient's primary physician works with the hospice team to formulate the patient’s plan of care with the hospice medical director.

Referral:
The patient is usually referred to our Hospice Program by his or her primary physician. Referrals can be initiated by family members, friends, clergy or other health care professionals.

Admission Criteria:
Any concerned person may initiate a request for admission. Those who meet hospice admission criteria are recommended for admission. The patient and family have the final decision to elect Hospice care.

• Admission is limited to those patients with a life expectancy of months rather than years.

• The patient and family must be informed of the terminal diagnosis and prognosis.

• Orders from the attending physician.

• There must be a primary caregiver who will assume the responsibility for providing care for the patient

Availability of Service:
Members of the Hospice team are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  They are here to help patients and their families meet the needs and challenges of terminal illness in the caring, supportive environment of the patient’s own home.

Hospice Care Costs:
Services are covered by Medicare, Private Insurance, Medicaid, and through our Hospice Indigent Fund.

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