Hospice is a program of care and support for individuals, families, and caregivers when a cure is no longer likely and there is a prognosis of six months or less as the disease or situation runs its normal course. The focus is on is on the Patient’s quality of life, providing symptom and pain management in the comfort of their preferred home setting.

Care is provided by a Hospice Team with special training in end-of-life care. It includes:

• A Hospice Physician who works with your designated Attending Physician to create a personal Plan of Care; If you have no Attending Physician, the Hospice Physician can serve the role.
• Hospice Nurses who work to assess, organize, and implement your Plan of Care with a focus on relieving pain and increasing comfort.
• Social Workers and Spiritual Care Coordinators who connect you to local resources and work to provide emotional and spiritual guidance.
• Hospice Aides who assist with bathing and personal needs.

Most of our services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most Private Health Insurance. You can also choose to pay privately, but care will be available regardless of ability to pay. Silver Crest can help assist Patients, Families, and Physicians in determining eligibility and in researching available resources.

Any time is a good time to discuss care options. You don’t have to wait for your physician or hospital to raise the possibility of Hospice – you can raise it first. Our staff is available to answer any questions you have and a consultation can always be arranged by contacting our office.

We contact the Patient’s physician to make sure he or she agrees that Hospice Care is appropriate for this Patient at this time. The Patient will be asked to sign consent and insurance forms  then, the Patient’s unique Plan of Care will begin.

Any number of Family or Friends can be involved if they so wish. It is never easy and sometimes can be quite difficult. Individualized care plans are prepared that address the amount of caregiving each person needs. Care needs are based on the individual’s level of function. Hospice staff visits regularly and is always accessible to answer questions and provide support to the Patient and Family. However, Family and Friends must be relied on to give custodial care (ongoing physical care), while Volunteers are available to help with errands. It may not be necessary for someone to be with the Patient at all times. Later however, when the time of passing becomes nearer, Hospice generally recommends someone be with the Patient at all times.

Hospice Patients are cared for by a team, which consists of Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, Counselors, Home Health Aides, Clergy, Therapists, and Volunteers. Silver Crest hospice helps provide your loved ones with Medications, Supplies, Medical Equipment, Hospital Services, with additional helpers in the home as appropriate. Hospice does not provide 24-hour care in the home unless there is a crisis which constitutes temporary around-the-clock care. Most Hospice services are given in the comfort of a person’s home, but some Patients do live in other areas such as Nursing Homes, Assisted-living Facilities, Hospitals, or Hospice Centers. 

To qualify for Hospice, Patients must have a life-limiting illness such as Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, End-stage Alzheimer’s, or any other condition with a life expectancy of six months or less. Each Patient or Family Member must choose Hospice Care with the understanding that our focus of care is on pain and symptom management, and the Patient’s Physician must agree that Hospice Care is appropriate.