Hospice is a type of care provided by a certified Medicare provider that focuses on providing comfort and support to people who have a terminal illness and are no longer seeking curative treatment. Hospice provides four levels of care to meet the needs of the patient and family, Routine Home Care, Crisis Care, General Inpatient Care, and Respite Care.

Hospice is not a place, it’s a care plan. Hospice care is frequently provided in the patient’s home, but can be provided in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care facilities. Because comfort is crucial at this stage, hospice service comes to you, wherever you feel most at home.

Most patients over the age of 65 with a terminal diagnosis and life expectancy of six months or less are fully covered for hospice under the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Those patients under the age of 65 may be covered by Medicaid or private insurance. Most hospice patients do not have any out-of-pocket expenses. Often, care is covered by Medicare and other insurance plans. We will walk you through the approval process.

One should discuss hospice care with their physician when symptoms can no longer be managed at home or when they decide to no longer seek aggressive treatment.

Hospice services include:

• Nursing care, including RN case management and Nursing Assistant care
• Social Services provided by a Licensed Social Worker
• Spiritual counseling provided by ordained clergy
• Grief and Bereavement Counseling for families
• Medications related to diagnosis for pain and symptom relief
• Medical equipment and supplies for care
• Alternative and Complementary services

Once an individual becomes a patient with Cherish, he or she continues to receive services for as long as necessary.

No. Although some patients are bedridden, Cherish serves terminally ill patients with all types of progressive and chronic diseases.

All care given is under the direction of a Medical Director and provided by a clinical staff according to a comprehensive Plan of Care written specifically for the individual. In person care and visits are determined by the comprehensive Plan of Care.

Yes. Patients may decide to seek aggressive treatment at any time and end hospice care. They may also re-enter hospice care if they are eligible diagnostically. Medicare will continue to cover the care if readmitted. There is no penalty for changes in care.

Hospice takes care of not just the patient, but their family as well. The compassionate staff of Cherish Hospice is there every step of the way, providing the patient’s loved ones with support throughout the emotional, spiritual, and medical challenges that arise.

Studies show that entering hospice can add to generalized patient and family comfort and potentially increase the quality and length of life by managing symptoms, relieving pain, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs. Hospice provides patients and families support as they navigate the end-of-life journey with comfort and dignity.