What is Hospice?

Hospice is not just a place, it’s a service. Hospice provides comfort care, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and families in their home or in our Hospice Center. These services are for those whose terminal illness is not responding to treatment, or they have chosen not to pursue treatment.

What does Hospice cost?

Hospice is a fully covered Medicare benefit for all eligible patients, with no out of pocket expense. Hospice also is covered by most Medicaid and commercial insurances. Hospice will provide service to anyone who qualifies regardless of ability to pay.

Who qualifies for Hospice?

Any terminal diagnosis may qualify; it is not just for cancer patients. There is no time limit on Hospice. Once a patient has a terminal diagnosis, and they choose comfort care versus curative care, they may receive Hospice services.

How do l get Hospice service?

Your physician can determine when Hospices service is needed, and will continue to be involved throughout the course of your care. The first step is talking to your physician about Hospice, and asking them to request a nurse from Hospice of Southern Kentucky to evaluate the patient, in your home, nursing home or in the hospital.

Why do people choose Hospice of Southern Kentucky?

We are a non-profit organization that has been serving patients in South Central Kentucky for 40 years. We provide the Southern Kentucky area with the only in-patient Hospice facility that opened in 2008. This upscale, state-of-the-art facility sits next to a horse farm to provide the comfort and dignity you and your family deserve.

Do Hospice patients die sooner?

No, in fact Hospice patients tend to live longer. Once we are able to achieve comfort for someone, they are usually able to continue to do simple daily activities. Those may include attending church, family meal time, and non-strenuous activities.

Who can benefit from Hospice of Southern Kentucky Services?

Anyone dealing with a serious illness, who chooses comfort over curative treatments. We can provide the patient with the comfort and care they desire, while assisting the family with the support and counseling.

ls Hospice just for those that are dying?

Hospice is for patients with a terminal diagnosis. However, it is not just for the last days of life. Hospice service is more beneficial to begin as soon as a patient transitions from curative treatments to a focus on quality of life.

Does Hospice require me to switch doctors?

No. Your primary physician will still be involved in your care, along with our medical director and clinical team.

Is Hospice the same as home health?

No. Home health’s focus is on rehabilitative patients. Hospice’s focus is on comfort care. Hospice provides volunteers, chaplains, and bereavement services. Home health does not provide these services.

Who will visit me from Hospice?

Hospice isn’t just one person. There will be a team of professionals that include physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, nursing assistants, volunteers, and other professionals who work together to meet the individual needs of each patient and family.

Do I have to be in my home to receive Hospice?

No. Hospice care may be provided anywhere the patient calls home. This includes assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

If you did not find the answer to your question here, please feel free to call one of our professionals at 270-746-9300.