Hospice

Hospice care focuses on the quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. This specialized care helps them live as fully and comfortably as possible in the last phases of an incurable disease or physical ailment.

The hospice philosophy accepts death as the final stage of life: it affirms life, but does not try to hasten or postpone death. Hospice care treats the person and symptoms of the disease, rather than treating the disease itself. A team of professionals work together to manage symptoms so that a person's last days may be spent with dignity and quality, Hospice care is also family-centered – it includes the patient and the family in making decisions.

Hospice care may be an appropriate choice when a person can no longer benefit from curative treatments and has a limited life expectancy, as diagnosed by a physician.

Hospice service begins when the patient, physician and family decide it is best.

If the patient or family member's situation changes, the patient's condition improves, or the disease goes into remission, the patient can be discharged from hospice services, yet resume services at a later date if needed.

Hospice care is generally fully reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid and many other types of health plans, including private insurance.

Please refer to this information regarding medicare hospice benefits.

Be sure to check with your insurance provider before making a decision about hospice services.

Most hospice care is centered in the home, however there might be times when you need to be in a hospital, extended-care facility or an inpatient hospice center. Your home hospice team can arrange for inpatient care and will stay involved in your care and with your family. You can go back to in-home care when you and your family are ready. There's always someone on call to help you with whatever may arise. Hospice care assures you and your family that you are not alone and can get help at any time.

You do not need a referral to receive hospice care. Talk with your physician and family to decide where you would like to receive care.

Then determine if you prefer to receive hospice care at home or in a hospice location. You or your family can call to schedule a tour or find answers to your questions.

Palliative care brings physical and emotional support to patients with severe or chronic illnesses. It focuses on treating the symptoms of a condition to provide pain relief and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Palliative care benefits patients with terminal illnesses as well as ongoing or painful conditions. It is not just for end-of-life care. Patients at all stages of a chronic or difficult illness can benefit from palliative care.

Our home health services focus on the medical assistance you need including medication management, rehabilitation services, wound care, social work and other medical treatments.

Learn more about Home Health

Sometimes referred to as "private duty care", home care from the Good Samaritan Society provides the assistance you or a loved one may need with daily routine activities not associated with medical care. This may include everything from light housework and preparing meals to running errands and companionship.

Learn more about Home Care

Telehealth is in-home technology so your caregiving team can better communicate and assist in your care from a remote location. Telehealth medical devices fulfill a range of functions from monitoring blood pressure and pulse to medication reminders and answering simple questions.

Learn more about Telehealth