Hospice care is suitable when an individual, regardless of age, has a terminal illness that no longer benefits from medical treatment, and has a prognosis of living six months or less with a life limiting illness or injury. The treatment and care is meant to provide for the reduction of pain and other troubling symptoms, rather than treatment aimed at finding a cure. The patient is typically treated in their own home with the love and compassion they deserve tailored to the patient’s and family’s needs.
In most cases, a family member serves as the primary caregiver and, when appropriate, helps make decisions for the terminally ill individual. Aurora hospice staff will make regular visits to assess the patient and provide additional care or other services. Our staff is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Paying for Hospice Care
Insurance coverage for hospice care is available through Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plan and managed care programs. In some cases, we can also take commercial insurance programs to assist with hospice care. Contact us today to learn about our full range of professional care options.
Your Care Plan Team
Physician services
Physician services for the medical direction of the patient’s care, provided by either the patient’s personal physician or a physician affiliated with a hospice program
Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses
A hospice nurse provides hands-on nursing care around the clock in the patient’s home or at SNF/ALF. Hospice nurses manage pain and other symptoms, provide support to patients and families and assist in the process of death with dignity.
Certified Nursing Assistants
Certified Nursing Assistants provide personal care to the patients, help patients and family with practical needs, including medical equipment, light housekeeping, and feeding. They’re also available for emotional support. Hospice certified nursing assistants serve the patients under the supervision of the registered nurse and provide up-to-date medical reports to the supervisors.
Bereavement Counselors
Emotional, psycho-social, and spiritual support and services provided before and after the death of the patient to assist the family with issues related to grief, loss, and adjustment. Spiritual care counselors provide spiritual support for patients and family members across all types of religions, backgrounds, and cultures.
Hospice social workers
Hospice social workers care for and represent, both the patient and the family throughout the dying process, assisting with bereavement after the loved one has passed. Hospice social workers work to stabilize and increase the patient’s physical comfort, emotional comfort, mental state, spiritual state, and social stimulation. They also provide advanced care planning and assistance with funeral planning and legal documentation.
Hospice volunteers
Hospice volunteers help provide patients and families with compassionate care and support during the end-of-life process. They provide companionship and support to the patient and family. They also provide simple comfort measures for a patient such as preparing light meals or carrying out light household tasks. Volunteers bring heartfelt energy, love, dedication, and compassion that enhance the professional skills of the rest of the patient care team.
Criteria for hospice
Criteria for hospice: Patient has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition with a prognosis of six months or less if their disease runs its normal course.