What is hospice?
Hospice is a special concept of care designed to provide comfort, compassion and support to patients and their loved ones when faced with a terminal illness. Hospice is a philosophy of care focusing on comfort, not a cure. Hospice care neither prolongs life, nor hastens death. The hospice philosophy involves caring for the whole patient—not just the illness. This means attending to:
- The patient’s physical needs, which may include:
- Pain relief
- Easing of symptoms of the patient’s illness
- Care for other conditions that cause discomfort.
- The patient’s emotional and spiritual well-being
- We consider these just as important as the patient’s physical comfort.
- The patient’s changing treatment needs
- As the patient’s condition changes, he or she may choose to place more of a focus on palliative care (comfort, but not curing).
- The needs of the patient’s family by:
- Providing respite care so family members may do grocery shopping, go to appointments, and complete other errands
- Providing grief support
Our hospice staff and volunteers offer specialized knowledge of medical care, pain management and emotional support. Our goal is to improve the quality of our patients’ last days by offering comfort and dignity.
Who can receive hospice care?
A person is eligible for hospice care when the physician and patient have concluded that curative treatment is no longer of benefit and the physician estimates that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its expected course. Hospice care is available to all persons who meet admission criteria in Dickinson County or within a radius of 20 miles from either Abilene or Herington if outside Dickinson County.
How do I make a referral?
Referrals may be made by a physician, social worker, neighbor, relative, minister, the individual, or other community service agencies. A free hospice assessment can be completed by request.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care is provided where the patient lives, which can mean the patient’s home, a friend or family member’s home, assisted living, or nursing home.
How much does hospice cost?
Professional services are reimbursed whenever possible through Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance.Hospice also relies on memorial gifts, bequests and donations to continue providing quality services and to assist in caring for those who have no resources.Care provided by Hospice of Dickinson County is always based on need, not on ability to pay. If you have additional questions, call Home Health and Hospice’s Abilene office at (785) 263-6630 or Herington at (785) 258-3611.
Hospice of Dickinson County offers bereavement services to hospice patients’ families and the community. Everyone’s grief process is different. We’re here to help you through the healing process. You are not alone.
Bereavement Support
Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County partners with GriefShare, sponsored by Community Bible Church, to offer bereavement programs for those coping with a loss. A loss may include the death of a loved one, a miscarriage, a home, a person’s livelihood, etc.
Group members will learn about the grief process and develop skills to cope with the effects of loss. Time is allowed for sharing personal experiences. Bereavement groups are facilitated by a bereavement counselor. Persons interested are encouraged to join during open registration dates by clicking on available links that we will share below.
For information on upcoming GriefShare events, please email: dgantner@mhsks.org.
Everyone wants to stay in their own home where things are comfortable and familiar. In the event of a fall or emergency, help is available at the push of a button with a personal emergency response system. The system can help you maintain your independence and reduce the worry of living alone.
