Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for all persons with terminal illnesses, and to assist them, their families, their caregivers, and the community in addressing and experiencing end of life issues in an environment that promotes dignity, comfort, and caring.

What is hospice care?

Hospice care focuses on caring for, not curing terminal illness. In most cases, care is provided in the patient's home. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to medical care, pain and symptom management, and emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families.

Does hospice care mean giving up hope?

It does not. Even though curative treatments may no longer be effective, there are, from time to time, patients who do well enough medically to be discharged from the Hospice program. For most patients, however, the real hope of Hospice is the possibility of living each moment with comfort, dignity and the knowledge that people really care.

When is the right time to ask about hospice?

When life expectancy is measured in months rather than in years and when treatment for cure no longer seems appropriate. It is important that patients and families do not wait too long. Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, now is the best time to learn more about hospice care and ask questions about what to expect. It is best for family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern. This can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice care arrives. By having these discussions in advance, patients aren't forced into uncomfortable situations and they can make an educated decision that includes the advice and input of loved ones. Hospice is most helpful if it begins in time for trusting relationships to develop.

How does hospice care work?

Typically, a family member serves as the primary caregiver and, when appropriate, helps make decisions for the terminally ill individual. Members of the hospice staff make regular visits to assess the patient and provide additional care or other services. A hospice nurse is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Hospice team develops a plan of care with the patient and family that meets their individual needs for pain and symptom management. The team usually consists of:

	The patient and family/caregiver
	The patient's personal physician
	Hospice Medical Director
	Nurses
	Home Health Aides
	Social Workers
	Clergy and Counselors
	Trained Volunteers
	Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapists, if needed.

The plan of care outlines the medical and support services required such as medical equipment, medication and treatments necessary to provide high-quality comfort care.

Who is eligible for Hospice?

Hospice services are available for patients who are certified by their doctor as terminally ill and have a life expectancy of six months or less and elect non-curative, or palliative treatments.

Who Can Make a Referral?

Anyone can refer a patient for hospice services. However, the attending physician must concur that services are appropriate and give the order for hands on patient care by Hospice staff. Referrals can be made by contacting the Hospice office at 704-983-4216 or by filling out our Referral form here. Go here to download form

How do I pay for hospice care?

Skilled care visits, medications, supplies and medical equipment related to the patient's hospice diagnosis are generally covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private health insurances for patients who meet the inidvidual plan's eligibility criteria.
There is no charge for volunteers, spiritual care, or bereavement services.

How does hospice care begin?

It can begin with a phone call. However, the attending physician must concur with the requested services and give the order for hands on patient care by Hospice staff. Within a few hours from receiving the order from the physician, someone from the hospice agency will contact the patient/family and make arrangements for admission to the program.