How to Begin Getting Care
Patients may contact our Admissions Coordinator directly, or be referred by a family member, physician, a member of the clergy or another concerned professional. Patients are usually admitted to the program when their life expectancy is measured in terms of months.
No person will be denied admission or service based upon his or her age, race, color, religion, national origin, inability to pay, physical or mental handicap or other unjust barriers.
We do require, in order to make the home a viable setting for care, that a primary caregiver be available and willing to assume ongoing responsibility for basic homemaking. If there is no family member to assume such a role, we will help the patient make substitute arrangements. Such an arrangement might be Francis House, a hospice-contract nursing home, or other home-like options.
After eligibility has been determined, we visit with the patient and family to determine their needs.
What We Provide
Care is usually given in the familiar setting of the patient's home, the home of a relative or friend, or a nursing home. In addition to providing care, we teach the family new skills, educate them about what to expect in the course of the patient's illness, and help them prepare for death. A nurse and other staff from Hospice are always available by telephone to answer questions, give advice and to make visits as needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Our staff
Our staff works with the patient and his or her attending physician to create a comprehensive care plan, in which relief of pain and other symptoms is a paramount concern. Care is provided by our specialized nurses. Arrangements are made as needed for home health aides, homemakers, private-duty nurses and specialty therapists. Social workers, chaplains, and nutritionists may provide counseling. Volunteers provide friendship, respite, and assistance for families as needed.
Respite care
Respite care, a break in care-giving for family members, is provided by volunteers and aides at home for a period of hours, or in an inpatient setting for several days. Inpatient hospice care for acute needs is available in all four community hospitals.
Bereavement support
Bereavement support is a way we continue our caring for family members as they adjust to the loss of their loved one. Support groups, grief counseling, and specialized attention for children are available.
Who Pays?
Most hospice expenses are covered by major health insurance plans. Medicare and Medicaid have a hospice benefit which provides coverage for expanded home health care services. We will assist you in determining what will be covered by your insurance plan. In cases where insurance does not pay for all of our services, or individuals are uninsured, we rely on donations from organizations and individuals to continue providing care to those who need it.
For more information or to make a referral, call us at (315)634-1100.
