Hospice Services

Hospice is a special kind of caring for persons facing a life-limiting illness.

Hospice is about life, not death. We provide the quality care that allows people to live well at the end of life.

Hospice provides physical, spiritual, and emotional support to patients and families that allows families to keep their loved one at home if they choose.

Hospice uses a team approach to care and services that are provided. This team consists of the patient, family, primary physician, patient's clergy, and hospice staff which consists of nurses, social services, chaplain, medical director, volunteer, dietitian, occupational and physical therapy, and specialized nursing input as needed.

Hospice provides bereavement follow-up for families up to 13 months after the death of their loved one.

Hospice is a program in which services are provided to terminally ill people who are seeking palliative care (comfort care) vs. curative care.

Hospice services are usually provided in the home setting, which also includes the nursing home as this is considered to be the patient's home. Inpatient services are provided at St. Alexius Medical Center for acute situations that cannot be managed at home.

Nursing, social service, spiritual counseling, physician, bereavement counseling, home health aides, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, dietary counseling, medical supplies, pharmacy, and equipment related to the management of the terminal illness are available when needed.

Anyone can refer to hospice. Hospice will check with the patient's doctor to be certain hospice is the most appropriate service for the patient's needs.