ABOUT HOSPICE CARE

UNDERSTANDING & PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

WHAT IS HOSPICE CARE?

Hospice is an approach and a philosophy of compassion, support and symptom management for terminally ill patients. Hospice care is for patients whose medical conditions are not responding to treatment or those who choose to forgo aggressive/curative treatment. It is a comprehensive medical service for patients who are expected to have a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its natural course….although many patients outlive this time frame.

At Appalachian Hospice our focus is on comfort care, not curative care. The goal of this care is to make the patient as comfortable and pain-free as possible. We aim to treat the person, not the disease, and focus on their quality of life.

Hospice care can be cancelled (revoked) at any time if a patient’s condition improves, if aggressive, curative treatment is desired or if you simply decide you no longer desire hospice care.

Hospice care may be the answer for which you and your family are looking. An Appalachian team member is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns.

By choosing hospice care you & your loved ones…

  • Can stay at home living in a comfortable and familiar environment

  • Will obtain the medical services of our dedicated, highly trained professional staff of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses

  • Our certified nursing aids (CNAs) can assist patients with their personal care needs

  • Are provided medical equipment, medical supplies, and medications related to their hospice diagnosis

  • Can obtain emotional and spiritual support from the Appalachian team of chaplains and social workers

  • Respite care can be arranged to give the patient’s loved ones a need break

  • Be assured that your loved one is treated as if part of our own family

WHEN TO CONSIDER HOSPICE CARE?

When your family member’s health begins to decline and they can no longer perform simple tasks as they once did, you may feel that it is your duty to care for them. While you may think this course of action the best or only alternative, it cannot only take a toll on you and your family, but your loved one, as well. Considering hospice care can be difficult and selecting the right company can be extremely challenging. However, our team at Appalachian Hospice is dedicated to making you and your family members’ lives easier. Not only do we provide unparalleled hospice care, but we also deeply care about the well-being of our patients’ families. Further, you have our commitment to communicate with you and your loved ones openly and honestly on a regular basis.

Hospice care is for patients whose medical conditions are not responding to treatment or those who choose to forgo aggressive/curative treatment. It is a program for patients who are expected to have a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its natural course.

You should consider hospice care for yourself or your loved one when….

  • You or your loved one becomes more dependent while performing daily activities (dressing, eating or bathing)

  • Pain, breathlessness, nausea or other symptoms become more frequent and/or severe

  • ER visits become more frequent

  • Infections and/or falls increase in frequency

  • Family and caregivers need emotional and spiritual support

Anyone can recommend a patient for hospice care by calling our office, 24 hours a day at 706-781-0924 (Blairsville Office) or 706-253-4015 (Jasper Office).

WHO CAN RECEIVE HOSPICE CARE?

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR HOSPICE CARE?

Are you interested in obtaining hospice care for yourself or your loved one, but unsure if you/they qualify? Our team at Appalachian Hospice cannot only help determine if you or your family member qualifies for hospice care but can also provide the services needed to live a more comfortable life. Health insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, require certain specific criteria to be met to cover hospice care and we can work with your or your family member’s health insurance company to see if you can obtain hospice care for little to no cost.

For example, Medicare requires the following for them to cover hospice services:

  • Patient must agree to receiving hospice care and forgoing curative treatment

  • A qualified physician must certify that you or your family member has a life-limiting prognosis

Let us help you during this difficult time. We are available to answer any questions you may have and can provide hospice care as quickly as possible to alleviate any worries you may be feeling. Don’t think of hospice care as the end of the road—think of it as a stage in life where quality of life is the most important aspect. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via our ‘Contact’ page or via calling us at (706) 781-0924 (Blairsville Office) or 706-253-4015 (Jasper Office).

Appalachian Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in admission, treatment, services, their ability to pay and/or in employment. Appalachian Hospice does not serve patients under the age of 18.

AFFORDING THE CARE, YOU REQUIRE

WHO PAYS FOR HOSPICE CARE?

Did you know that most health insurance payers cover hospice care? This means you and your family will not be stressed about covering the costs of the hospice services you need. At Appalachian Hospice, we work with various health insurance companies so you or your family member does not have to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses for hospice services.

Medicare, Medicaid and most health insurance payers cover not only the services of the Appalachian professional team but also the cost of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds and bedside commodes, medical supplies (such as oxygen, diapers, wound care supplies and catheters) as well as all medications related to your hospice qualifying diagnosis.

Appalachian Hospice is Medicare and Medicaid certified and accepts most private insurances. If Appalachian Hospice is not in-network with your health insurance payers, we will work with them to minimize the out of pocket cost to you.

If your loved one does not have insurance, do not worry. Our team provides exceptional hospice care for everyone—even if they do not have the financial means to cover the cost of their care. Please contact us at 706-781-0924 if you wish to learn more about the health insurance companies we accept, or if you would like more information regarding our charitable care/indigent benefits.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

PLAN FOR YOUR OR YOUR LOVED ONE’S HOSPICE CARE

While some people may not like to consider their loved ones getting older or succumbing to a life ending illness and needing hospice care, it is imperative you discuss it with your family member to ensure they obtain the care they need deserve. We can also sit down with families to help them devise a plan.

It is better to be prepared than caught off-guard. Let us work with you so you do not have to worry about hospice care at a later date. To schedule an appointment with one of our staff members, please contact us at 706-781-0924.

Advanced planning can provide the following benefits:

  • A cost analysis can be created to help prevent unexpected costs

  • Your family will know which level of care your family member desires at the appropriate time

  • All options will be thoroughly discussed so you and your family will have confidence in your decisions regarding hospice care

CONTACT US

Our dedicated team is ready to answer your questions and address your concerns.