What is hospice?
Hospice is a special way of caring for patients and families when illness
no longer responds to cure-oriented treatment or the patient is experiencing
a life-limiting illness. Hospice is a way of living as well as a plan of care.
How do we care for our hospice patients?
- Hospice care is provided by an experienced team of specially
trained health care professionals.
- The hospice team of physicians, nurses, volunteers, chaplains,
bereavement counselors, and social workers partner with you and
your family to develop a plan of care that is right for you.
- We respect your individuality. We support your freedom of choice
plus the need to preserve dignity and to retain control of your life.
- We are here to listen and are always available to discuss your
plan of care, pain control, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.
- A hospice nurse is available by phone twenty-four hours a day,
seven days a week.
- Merit Hospice can provide hospice services in your home, in a
long-term care facility, or in a hospital when short-term inpatient
care is needed.
The Hospice Team
- Individualized patient care is the priority in all Merit programs
and services; this is especially true for our hospice patients.
- Your attending physician can actively participate in the plan of
care and can remain your primary physician.
- Merit's Medical Director, certified in hospice and palliative care,
is actively involved in planning treatment for your physical and
emotional symptoms.
- Our nurses have special training in symptom management and pain
control. They make regular visits, teaching your family and
caregivers how to provide comfort care.
- Personal care and assistance with eating, bathing, and hands-on
care is given by our specially-trained certified nursing assistants.
- Our professional team of social workers, bereavement counselors,
dietitians, and therapists work hand-in-hand with you and your family.
- Our volunteers are specially trained to provide respite, emotional
support, companionship, and assistance with leisure activities.
When is a hospice consultation appropriate?
The answer to this question is as individual as the patients
in our care. We are available to meet with patients, families,
and physicians to explain hospice benefits, answer questions,
and assist with coordination of services.
How is hospice paid for?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies pay for hospice services.
Benefits may vary; our counselors can help you with this process.
It's about Comfort
and Dignity!
Click Here to find out more about career opportunities
with Merit Hospice Services.
For more information on Merit Hospice Services.
please call 888 - 637- 4848
