Hospice care
What is hospice care?
Hospice care at Good Samaritan focuses on the quality of life for people who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Our 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. Read the truth about hospice.
Our team of professionals works 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.
With a mission is to help families navigate this journey, we provide reassurance and compassionate guidance so each day can be as peaceful and meaningful as possible.
Find the right hospice care for you or a loved one.
- Fill out our contact us form.
- Call us at (866) 507-2213.
What is hospice care?
Hospice care at Good Samaritan focuses on the quality of life for people who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Our 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. Read the truth about hospice.
Our team of professionals works 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.
With a mission is to help families navigate this journey, we provide reassurance and compassionate guidance so each day can be as peaceful and meaningful as possible.
Find the right hospice care for you or a loved one.
- Fill out our contact us form.
- Call us at (866) 507-2213.
Support for family members
Our team also provides bereavement support to family members for 13 months after their loved one’s passing. This includes encouragement, practical help and a compassionate presence.
When is the right time for hospice care
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 their physician.
It may be time to consider hospice care if you notice:
- A physician has indicated that life expectancy may be six months or less if the illness follows its expected course
- A steady decline in physical abilities, such as difficulty walking, dressing or eating
- Frequent trips to the hospital or emergency room over a short period
- Increased pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that are becoming harder to control
- Repeated infections or illnesses
- The patient wants to stop aggressive treatments and focus on comfort at home or in another familiar setting
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.
You don’t need to wait for your provider to start the conversation. You, your family and your provider can make a referral for hospice care. A phone call doesn’t commit you to anything, but it can help you understand your options, ask questions and determine if hospice is right for you.
Contact us at (866) 507-2213.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice from Good Samaritan meets patients where they are. Families often worry about finding the right place for care, but hospice is designed to provide the setting that feels most comfortable.
In-home hospice care
Many patients receive hospice care at home. It allows them to remain in familiar surroundings, close to loved ones and daily routines.
If a patient lives in an assisted living community or long-term care center, the hospice team can provide care there.
Inpatient hospice
Some symptoms are more manageable in an inpatient setting. This may include a hospice inpatient unit or a hospital with the goal of stabilizing symptoms and returning the patient to their preferred setting, when possible.
Contact us for more information.
- Fill out our contact us form.
- Call us at (866) 507-2213.
Hospice care FAQ
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What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
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.
Hospice care focuses on the quality of life for people who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice care helps patients live as fully and comfortably as possible in the last phases of an incurable disease or physical ailment.
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What does hospice care typically include?
When a patient and their medical team have decided that curative treatment is no longer the focus, we can provide:
- Companionship and respite
- Dietary services, including nutritional needs assessment
- Emotional support
- Personal care and daily assistance
- Spiritual care
- Symptom management
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How do I pay for hospice care?
Hospice care is a covered benefit under Medicare and Medicaid for those who meet medical criteria.
Click here to read the official booklet regarding specific Medicare hospice benefits. Click here to read an overview of the senior care and services that Medicare covers.
Most private insurance plans also include a hospice benefit. Some plans may closely follow Medicare coverage, while others may have different limits or requirements. A hospice provider can help review benefits and explain what is included.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider before making a decision about hospice services.
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What does Medicare cover?
To qualify for hospice care, a hospice doctor and your doctor (if you have one) must certify that you’re terminally ill, meaning you have a life expectancy of six months or less.
You must accept palliative care (for comfort) instead of care to cure your illness. You also must sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions.
Coverage includes:
- All items and services needed for pain relief and symptom management
- Medical, nursing and social services
- Drugs
- Certain durable medical equipment
- Aide and homemaker services
- Other covered services, as well as services Medicare usually doesn’t cover, like spiritual and grief counseling
A Medicare-certified hospice usually gives hospice care in your home or the facility where you live, like a nursing home.
Hospice care doesn’t pay for your stay in a facility (room and board) unless the hospice medical team determines that you need short-term inpatient stays for pain and symptom management that can’t be addressed at home.
These stays must be in a Medicare-approved facility, like a hospice facility, hospital or skilled nursing facility that contracts with the hospice.
Please refer to the official booklet regarding Medicare hospice benefits.
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Home health
Home health services provide people of all ages medical assistance in their homes, while offering support and respite for their loved ones. Staff members include registered nurses and rehabilitation therapists. Depending on the location, other staff members might include licensed caregivers and other health care employees.
For more information, please contact us directly at (855) 446-1862.
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Home care
Home care services encompass non-medical, in-home assistance. We can help clients feel as comfortable and safe as possible in their own homes by assisting with daily activities. From meal preparation to medication reminders, light housekeeping to companionship, our caregivers are trained to provide the help clients need in a way that's best for them.
For more information, please contact us directly at (855) 446-1862.
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Assisted living
When a person’s health and personal needs change, assisted living provides extra support, in their own apartment. Assisted living empowers residents to lead an active, social lifestyle in a community that offers safety and security with supportive services available should the need arise.
It’s the ideal setting for those who do not need around-the-clock nursing supervision. Staff members are accessible 24 hours a day.
For more information, please contact us directly at (855) 446-1862.
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Independent living
Senior housing options generally contain one or more separate living units within the same structure. Examples include apartments, twin homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, villas, cottages and casitas.
These comfortable, easy-living homes offer residents the privacy they desire with the ease of maintenance-free living.
For more information, please contact us directly at (855) 446-1862.
Referral Partner resources
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Make a referral
The Good Samaritan Society is proud to provide comprehensive services to our medical referral sources nationwide.
Refer a patient by phone at (855) 446-1862 or through our secure online form.
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