Hospice Care
Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury, hospice care is a team-oriented approach to expert care —called an interdisciplinary team (IDT) approach. The IDT team addresses the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual “parts” that compose all of us; and addresses those issues that cause patients and their families pain. At its very center is the belief that each of us have the right to live pain-free until the last day of our lives and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
The “team” consists of the patient’s Primary Care Physician, the hospice Medical Director, RN Case Managers, Licensed Vocational Nurses, Hospice Home Health Aides, Social Workers, Chaplains, and trained Volunteers. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the team:
- Manages the patient’s pain and symptoms;
- Provides necessary comfort medications, medical supplies, and equipment;
- Assists the patient and family with the emotional and psychosocial and spiritual aspects of dying;
- Provides teaching for family and significant others on how to provide care for the patient;
- Provides bereavement care and counseling to surviving family and friends.
Where is care provided?
Care is provided at the patient's home, a skilled nursing facility, residential care home (assisted living facility), or at our Hospice House.
How hospice services may help you?
Services are available to patients of any age, religion, race, or terminal illness and consist of the following services:
- Visits by the hospice nurse, social worker, chaplain, home health aide and volunteer to the patients domicile;
- Availability of an on-call hospice nurse, 24-hours a day;
- Medications related to the pain and symptom management of the terminal illness;
- Durable medical equipment and supplies;
- Counseling and spiritual support for both patient and family;
- Respite care is available for the caregiver. Learn more on caregiver support <click here>;
- Anticipatory grief support for family members, loved ones, and caregivers including children. Learn more about bereavement programs <click here> [redirect traffic to bereavement section]
What is the cost for hospice care?
Hospice services are not billed to the patient or family. The care is covered under the Medicare hospice benefit, MediCal hospice benefit and most private insurance plans, HMOs and other managed care organizations. However, the Mission of Hospice of San Joaquin is to provide services to all terminally-ill patients, regardless of ability to pay.
Hospice Care Eligibility:
All patients with a life-limiting or terminal illness qualify for services:
