Hospice Care

Hospice is a philosophy of care that provides medical and supportive services to those who have a shortened life expectancy and who prefer to die without life-extending measures. Hospice care does not treat the underlying illness. Likewise, hospice care doesn’t hasten or prolong death.

Hospice patients benefit from substantial relief from pain and other symptoms. Patients and their families are supported by a caring team, allowing the patient more control over the final stages of life.

The Home+ Hospice team prepares an individualized care plan that may include pain relief, physical or occupational therapy and counseling support for you and your family. For patients at home, family and loved ones provide most of the hands-on care. Hospice staff visit regularly and are always available to answer questions.

Our physicians, nurses and pharmacists are experts in managing pain, so you are comfortable, yet alert and able to enjoy each day to the fullest extent possible.

You can receive hospice care in your home, a nursing home, assisted living facility, the Home+ Hospice House or the Hospice Suite at Sturgis Regional Hospital.

Your team could include nurses, social workers, nursing aides, physical therapists, counselors, chaplains, physicians, pharmacists and/or volunteers. If you are at home, family or loved ones will provide much of your hands-on care. Patients who live alone or don’t have family available to assist them can receive care at the Hospice House or at designated nursing homes.

Hospice care can be provided when it is believed a patient has six months or less to live. Hospice serves terminally ill people of all ages, with all types of illnesses.

Talk with your physician about a referral for hospice care. Or, call Home+ (link).  We will answer your questions and confirm your doctor’s orders. Home+ staff will help if you don’t have a physician.

Once you sign consent and insurance forms, Hospice staff will immediately set in motion all the care you need to be comfortable.

No. Home+ care providers will assess your needs and help make arrangements for a bed or other medical equipment.

Home+ Hospice provides support for caregivers for at least a year following the death of a loved one.

Medicare Hospice Benefit covers the full scope of medical and support services for a life-limiting illness. Medicaid covers hospice in nearly all states. Most private insurance providers cover hospice care. Patients and families should verify their coverage. Home+ staff is available to help.

Home+ Hospice will oversee all of your medical care and provide services and equipment needed to manage your terminal illness if you are in a nursing home. Medicare and most insurance pay for hospice care in nursing homes. Patients will be responsible for the nursing home’s daily room and board fee. For those on Medicaid, the room and board charge will be covered by Medicaid.

Yes. You can be discharged from hospice and resume medical treatment.