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What is Hospice

Alternative Hospice

Hospice care provides medical services, emotional support, and spiritual resources for people who are in the last stages of a serious illness, such as cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. It is also helps family members manage the practical details and unique emotional challenges of caring for a dying loved one. Primarily, the goal is to keep the patient comfortable and improve the quality of life.

The best way to determine if you or a loved one could benefit from hospice is to contact us for a consultation.

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When is the right time to ask about hospice?

Now is the best time to learn more about hospice and ask questions about what to expect from hospice services. Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern. Not only do these discussions greatly reduce stress when the time comes that hospice is needed, but they also keep patients from being forced into uncomfortable situations. Instead, patients are able to make an educated decision regarding their care that includes the advice and input of family members and loved ones.

Our Alternative Care Team is available to meet for a consultation to determine if hospice is right for you or your loved one. Simply call our office to schedule an appointment.

How does hospice care begin?

Typically, hospice care starts as soon as a formal request or a referral is made by the patient’s doctor. Once requested or referred, an Alternative Hospice representative will initiate contact with the patient and/or family to set up an appointment within 24 hours.

Once the nurse and physician have determined that the patient qualifies for services and signs the necessary paperwork to enter the program, hospice care is ready to begin. In urgent situations, Alternative Hospice has the ability to start services even sooner.

Is hospice available after hours?

Alternative Hospice is available on-call seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Our phones roll to an after-hours nurse available to respond within minutes. Our chaplains and social workers are available when needed, as well.

Will hospice care for my loved one in a nursing facility?

Hospice services can be provided to patients wherever they live. Patients living at home, in assisted or independent living centers, as well as long-term care facilities are eligible to receive hospice care. However, Alternative Hospice may have to have a written agreement in place with the facility in order to send our care team into the location.

CALL US TODAY!

Alternative Hospice: 636-343-3839
Fax: 636-343-6367
Alternative Home Care: 636-432-0008
Fax: 636-283-2863