Hospice covers a wide range of services and supports to ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life. At Ascension Hospice, our care services include:
- Medications related to the hospice diagnosis and symptom management (such as pain, anxiety, shortness of breath, or nausea).
- Personal care supplies, including incontinence products, gloves, and cleansing items.
- Durable medical equipment such as a hospital bed, oxygen concentrator, wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commode, and other adaptive devices delivered to your home setting.
- Assistance by aides with showers and personal care two to three times a week, tailored to individual needs.
- Medical staff, including nurses, aides, and sometimes providers—who come to you weekly, so you do not need to travel to the doctor’s office when symptoms arise.
- Access to a registered nurse (RN) 24/7 for emergent needs such as falls, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled pain, or other urgent symptoms.
- Support from social workers, chaplains, and bereavement counselors for emotional, spiritual, and practical concerns for both you and your loved ones.
Hospice provides comprehensive support not only for physical needs, such as pain and symptom management, but also emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance for both the individual and their loved ones. These services include regular visits from nurses and aides, access to social workers and counselors, and guidance with complex decisions.
Hospice care can be provided in the home, assisted living, group homes, or dedicated hospice facilities, always focusing on dignity, comfort, and respecting the wishes of the person. By reviewing care preferences with family, trusted friends, and your designated power of attorney, you help ensure that care aligns with your values, reducing confusion and stress during transitions. Exploring available resources, such as veterans’ benefits, community-based programs, or hospice-specific support, may further broaden care options. Periodically reassessing needs and plans—including the possibility of hospice—allows for flexibility and peace of mind for both you and those close to you.
When choosing the right hospice for you, there are important questions to ask that help you find one that will provide you with the care that you need.
- What specific services and supports does the hospice provide? (e.g., pain management, emotional and spiritual support, personal care, medical equipment)
- How often do nurses, aides, and other staff visit, and are visits tailored to individual needs?
- What are the staffing ratios at the hospice? How many patients does each nurse, aide, or provider typically care for?
- Is there access to a registered nurse or medical staff 24/7 for emergencies?
- Does the hospice offer support for family members, such as counseling or guidance for complex decisions?
- Where can care be provided (home, assisted living, group home, hospice facility), and how flexible is the location?
- How does the hospice help ensure that care respects your wishes and aligns with your values?
- How often are care plans and needs reassessed to ensure ongoing comfort and peace of mind?
- What are the procedures for handling urgent symptoms or transitions in care?
- Can you speak with current or former patients and families to hear about their experiences?
Asking these questions can help you select a hospice that best meets your needs, provides comprehensive support, and respects your values and preferences. We would love to learn more about how we can best support you here at Ascension Hospice.