Hospice

Care and support when the time is near.

Facing the death of a parent or spouse can be agonizing.
How will you go on without her?
What will holidays be like without him?

You're not ready to let go, but it's important your loved one is comfortable at the end — even if that means accepting help from others.

The Good Samaritan Society is here to ensure that your loved one is cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually and that their wishes are being listened to and carried out. We also know a family facing the death of a loved one needs comfort and guidance, too.

Our hospice or palliative services offer the care your family and loved one will need most at the end of life. It's about making sure your loved one is comfortable and at peace and that you have all the support you need during this difficult time, so you can all make the most of the time you have left.

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Learn more about hospice:

What is hospice?

Hospice care focuses on the quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. This specialized care helps them live as fully and comfortably as possible in the last phases of an incurable disease or physical ailment.

The hospice philosophy accepts death as the final stage of life: it affirms life, but does not try to hasten or postpone death. Hospice care treats the person and symptoms of the disease, rather than treating the disease itself. A team of professionals work together to manage symptoms so that a person's last days may be spent with dignity and quality, Hospice care is also family-centered – it includes the patient and the family in making decisions.

When should hospice be considered?

Hospice care may be an appropriate choice when a person can no longer benefit from curative treatments and has a limited life expectancy, as diagnosed by a physician.

Hospice service begins when the patient, physician and family decide it is best.

If the patient or family member's situation changes, the patient's condition improves, or the disease goes into remission, the patient can be discharged from hospice services, yet resume services at a later date if needed.

Do my benefits cover hospice?

Hospice care is generally fully reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid and many other types of health plans, including private insurance.

Please refer to this information regarding medicare hospice benefits.

Be sure to check with your insurance provider before making a decision about hospice services.

Is hospice care provided at home?

Most hospice care is centered in the home, however there might be times when you need to be in a hospital, extended-care facility or an inpatient hospice center. Your home hospice team can arrange for inpatient care and will stay involved in your care and with your family. You can go back to in-home care when you and your family are ready. There's always someone on call to help you with whatever may arise. Hospice care assures you and your family that you are not alone and can get help at any time.

Hospice employees give with compassion

Regardless of your circumstances or situation, we're here to help.

Ultimately, we want you to be comfortable with your choices and decisions in hospice care. Good Samaritan Society provides bereavement services during hospice care to help guide and carry forth your choices. We also offer bereavement support to you for at least thirteen months after your loved one passes away. We consider it an honor to serve you and your loved ones.

Our hospice philosophy is based in our faith tradition.

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