Hospice care provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to enable patients with a life-limiting illness to live as fully as possible in the end stages of life. Hospice is designed for patients no longer seeking treatment for a disease.
Hospice care is specialized healthcare provided by skilled professionals and volunteers who provide comfort and techniques that manage a patient’s pain and symptoms.
Hospice staff evaluates the patient’s medical needs to determine the appropriate level of care. Patient care is provided in the home of the patient or of relatives/friends, or in a nursing home or assisted living facility where staff members are the caregivers.
Patients with acute medical needs, including pain and symptom management, may qualify for general inpatient care for a short time.
Hospice services
Parkview Hospice staff develops an individual care plan for each patient. A team of healthcare providers joins in providing quality care with dignity:
- Personal physician — Directs and manages the care plan.
- Hospice medical director — Supervises hospice staff and participates in evaluating and developing the patient’s care plan. The director may assume care for patients who have no personal physician.
- Registered nurse — Coordinates care, monitors the patient’s progress, performs medical assessments, provides care that includes symptom and pain management, and instructs family members in patient care techniques. A hospice nurse is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
- Home health aide — Assists patients with bathing, dressing and other needs.
- Social worker — Assists family members with financial planning; coordinates community resources; provides social, emotional and bereavement support and participates in care planning and case management with the hospice team.
- Chaplain — Offers spiritual, emotional and bereavement support for patient and caregivers.
- Volunteers — Provide support for patient and caregivers by visiting them and assisting with routine errands or tasks. Volunteers also record videos that share the patient's life story, sew, knit and crochet items for patients, and assist staff.
- Pharmacist — Assists the medical team with medication management required to control the patient’s pain and symptoms.
Grief and bereavement
Emotional and spiritual support services are designed to assist patients and caregivers who are coping with illness or loss. Grief is a normal emotional response that can last for months after a loved one’s death. Parkview Hospice support service provides guidance for patients or family members who may be experiencing a multitude of feelings. Services are available for 13 months after the patient’s death.
Palliative Care and Benefits
Palliative (comfort) care manages symptoms and pain, providing physical and emotional support to patients with serious and/or life-threatening illnesses. Palliative care also allows for a smooth transition between home healthcare and hospice care, while allowing continuity of care.
Admission
A patient may be referred for hospice care by:
- The patient’s physician
- Long-term care or assisted-living facility staff member
- Other healthcare providers
- Community or other referral agencies
- Family members
- Clergy
- Friends
A hospice nurse will assess the patient’s condition and explain the services and benefits provided. During the assessment, medical, social, spiritual and personal needs are discussed.
Payment Options and Contact Information
Medicare Part A, Medicaid or private insurance may be used for payment of service. For your convenience, trained Parkview Home Health & Hospice staff members verify insurance coverage and bill the provider, or assist with identifying financial resources that may be available.
The Parkview Home Health & Hospice staff provides services throughout northeast Indiana.
Information and patient referrals
(260) 373-9800, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(800) 363-9977, 24/7 (A registered nurse is on call.)
TTY (260) 373-9860 (for hearing impaired)