Hospice provides specialized care, comfort and support for people living with a serious illness when the focus shifts from cure to quality of life. Hospice also provides guidance, education and emotional support for family members and caregivers.
What is hospice?
Hospice is specialized care for people who are living with a serious illness and may be nearing the end of life. Many people hear the phrase "life-limiting illness" and aren't sure what it means. Simply put, it means a person has an illness that doctors do not expect to improve and that may shorten life expectancy. This can include advanced cancer, heart disease, lung disease, dementia or other serious conditions. Instead of focusing on treatments meant to cure the illness, hospice focuses on comfort, symptom management and helping people make the most of each day.
What does hospice actually do?
Hospice provides a team of experts who work together to support both the person receiving care and their loved ones.
Hospice can help:
- Manage pain and symptoms.
- Provide nursing care.
- Coordinate care and medications.
- Teach family caregivers what to expect.
- Offer emotional and spiritual support.
- Help people remain comfortable wherever they call home.
- Support families before, during and after a loss.
What does hospice do for your loved one and your family?
For the person receiving care:
- Pain and symptom management.
- Regular visits from hospice nurses.
- Personal care assistance from hospice aides.
- Emotional support and companionship.
- Spiritual care, if desired.
- Medical equipment and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis.
- Care focused on comfort, dignity and quality of life.
For family members and caregivers:
- Education about the illness and what to expect.
- Guidance and support from the hospice team.
- Help coordinating care.
- Access to social workers and other resources.
- Emotional support during difficult decisions.
- Bereavement and grief support after a loss.
Can you get hospice care at home?
Yes. Hospice care is provided wherever you call home.
This may include:
- A house
- An apartment or condominium
- An assisted living community
- A skilled nursing facility
- A long-term care community
Our care team meets you where you are, bringing care and support directly to you in the setting that is most comfortable and familiar.
What other services can hospice provide?
Depending on a person's needs, hospice care may also include:
- Medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers and oxygen.
- Hospice aides who assist with personal care.
- Social workers who help with emotional and practical needs.
- Chaplains who provide spiritual support based on a person's beliefs and preferences.
- Trained volunteers who offer companionship and support.
- Bereavement services for loved ones following a loss.
Why choose a not-for-profit, faith-based hospice?
As a not-for-profit, faith-based hospice organization, our mission is centered on caring for people and families with compassion, dignity and respect. Our team provides expert hospice care while supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those we serve. We believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and surrounded by compassionate care during one of life's most important journeys.
Hospice is about living well
Hospice is not about giving up. It is about helping people live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible while receiving the support they and their loved ones need. Whether care is provided in a family home, apartment, assisted living community or nursing facility, hospice brings expert care, compassionate guidance and peace of mind directly to you and your family.
Have questions about hospice? Contact us today
Understanding hospice can feel overwhelming, especially when you're caring for someone you love. Visit our contact page to find a MercyOne hospice agency near you and connect with a member of our team. We'll answer your questions, explain available services and help you understand the next steps.