Hospice Care
For patients who have an illness that cannot be cured, there are many important concerns and issues – unique to each individual – that cannot be addressed in a traditional health care setting. To better understand the difference between hospice care and home health care services, review this compare sheet. Only hospice offers what patients say they want most at the end of life:
- Choices about what types of care and support they personally wish to receive – and where they wish to receive it
- Control of pain and other symptoms so they can spend each day in comfort and enjoy quality time with friends and loved ones
- Spiritual and emotional support that helps them and their families address difficulties, fears and end-of-life issues
- The ability to stay at home, in a nursing home or in one of our home-like Hospice Centers, surrounded by the people and things they love most.
Hospice care is beneficial for anyone of any age, with any life-limiting disease; it is provided when it is believed patients have six months, or less, to live and are no longer pursuing curative care. They may have one or more of these diseases:
- Cancer
- Heart, lung or vascular disease
- Kidney disease
- Neuromuscular diseases such as MS or Parkinson's
- Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia
- AIDS
- Birth defects
Hospice care can also be beneficial for people who are in a severe state of decline due to frailty or other disorders associated with aging.
Care and services are provided by a highly specialized team of physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, aides, clergy and volunteers. Together, they help patients and families live life to the fullest extent possible, and help them address the wide array of issues that arise at the end of life. In addition, they provide bereavement support for family members of all ages following the death of their loved ones.
The costs of hospice care are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most other insurance plans. Hospice of Northwest Ohio turns no one away due to inability to pay or the complexity of their care needs.
Learn more about Controlling Pain and Symptoms, Common Hospice Myths, Emotional and Spiritual Support for the Patient, How to Choose a Hospice, Where Care is Provided, Therapies, Veterans Services and Understanding the Final Months.
Symphony Disease-Specific Care Program
Hospice of Northwest Ohio has introduced a specialized program to address the specific needs of patients with certain end-stage diseases. The Symphony program, in collaboration with The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), includes training for all Hospice clinical staff as well as a resource guide for families. Among the topics covered in the program are care tips, safety, communication and medications. Like a symphony, our care team works together with patients and caregivers to provide harmonious care.
Advanced Cardiac Care Resource Guide
Additional programs that will be introduced in 2025 include cancer and pulmonary disease.
Respite care
When patients are on hospice care, they are periodically eligible for paid respite care — usually in a nursing facility — which enables the family to have a few days off to rest, take a vacation or tend to other matters. In addition, volunteers can sit with patients several hours a week so caregivers have a chance to run errands, see friends, go to appointments or just simply take a nap.
Not ready for hospice?
Our Sincera home-based palliative care services can still provide help with the pain and symptoms of serious illness or the side effects of treatment.
Please be sure to browse our entire site to better understand hospice care, and the many ways Hospice of Northwest Ohio can help you and your family.