Hospice
Hospice care is designed for people who are nearing the end of life. Unlike other medical care, the focus of hospice isn’t to cure patients, but instead control their pain, make them comfortable and ensure the highest quality of life for whatever time remains.
Support and comfort when you need it most
Hospice can improve the family and caregiver’s lives by having a team of experts they can depend on, seek advice and guidance from and receive much needed teaching and support during this difficult time.
Those who are eligible include anyone with a disease that can’t be cured and whose life expectancy can be expressed in months, weeks or days. We have expertise in caring for individuals with cancer, lung disease, heart disease, liver problems, AIDS, neurological disorders, kidney issues, diabetes, stroke and Alzheimer’s.
Hospice care can be provided in homes, hospitals, nursing homes or assisted-living facilities. In most cases, physicians refer patients to hospice, however a physician referral is not necessary.
Questions?
812.933.5125
Ensuring the highest quality of life for whatever time remains.
What we offer
Hospice services
Our hospice team is dedicated to providing skilled medical and supportive care. Family members especially appreciate our 24/7 on-call nurse availability. Other services include:
- Physician-directed care
- Pain and symptom management
- Personal care
- Emotional support and spiritual counseling
- Nutrition counseling
- Speech, physical and occupational therapies
- Bereavement follow-up for 13 months
Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance cover services provided by hospice.
Starting the process
Hospice is the most beneficial when it is started long before the final weeks of a person’s life. Discuss the option with your physician.
Call us at 812.933.5125 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. A clinician will come to you to make a clinical assessment and answer any questions you may have about hospice care.
Hospice in Place Program
Hospice-in-place allows patients to receive services from virtually any bed at Margaret Mary Health for 14 days or less. If the patient is already receiving care at our hospital, he or she will be “discharged,” but then admitted as a hospice patient without having to leave the facility.
24/7 Visitation
Family members and friends are encouraged to be with their loved ones whenever possible. While our staff provides physical care, you and your family can focus on spending the final moments of precious time together.
The room with be transformed into a family-friendly space, and your loved one will be cared for based on your goals for care. This allows your loved one to remain safe and comfortable so his or her last days or weeks are peaceful and dignified.
Benefits
Receiving hospice care in a hospital setting can offer several benefits, providing a support environment for patients and their families during a challenging time. These include:
- Access to a variety of healthcare professionals
- Access to medications, services and necessary equipment
- Seamless transitions between different levels of care, if needed
- Emotional and spiritual support
- 24/7 family visitation
- Friendly, familiar staff
- Access to our café
Cost
Hospice in Place is intended to last 14 days or less. Room and board is not covered by insurance. The cost is $250 per day and must be paid in advance.
Our service area
Our patients are important to us from the beginning to the end of life and every point in between. Hospice care can be provided in homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities or assisted-living centers.
We proudly serve communities within a 35-mile radius, including the counties of:
- Dearborn
- Decatur
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Ohio
- Ripley
- Rush
- Union
Frequently asked questions
When is the right time?
If you’ve contemplated this question, you or your loved one may be eligible to receive this added layer of uniquely specialized care and support. It may be time to talk about hospice care if any of the following apply:
- Frequent/reoccurring infections, increase in falls and/or skin tears
- Frequent trips to the doctor, emergency room and/or hospitalizations
- Symptoms, such as uncontrolled pain, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, are getting harder to manage
- Reduced desire to eat/drink leading to weight loss
- Spends a significant amount of the day sleeping or in a chair
- Withdrawal from surroundings and others, talking less, decreased alertness and confusion/restlessness
- Steady decline in health over the past six months even with aggressive treatments/interventions, and no longer desiring treatments
How much does hospice care cost?
Do I have to go back to the hospital if I enroll in hospice care?
No. Typically 911/emergency services will not be utilized. Our staff will make every attempt to provide the care needed to stay home.
Does hospice provide 24-hour care in my home?
No. Hospice is intermittent care, designed to educate and support family/caregivers, not replace them.
Do I have to go somewhere to receive services?
No. We come to you and provide care wherever you may be residing. Hospice is not a place; it’s a philosophy of care.
Can I change my mind about services after I've enrolled?
Yes. Services may be revoked at any time and re-elected later, if desired.
Become a hospice volunteer
Companionship and support
At Margaret Mary Health, our hospice volunteers are an important part of our healthcare team. Not only do they fill the gaps between loved ones and professional caregivers, they also provide companionship and support to our patients when they need it most.
Our hospice volunteers are comprised of a variety of people from our community – men and women, young and old – from all walks of life. No medical training or prior experience is necessary to volunteer. All that’s required is a spirit of compassion, the ability to listen and respect for all ways of life.
Download the volunteer application and forms here, or call 812.933.5125.
A team approach
Providing care to someone who is dying can be difficult. That’s why we ensure you have the assistance you need to do your job well. Our volunteers receive comprehensive training and work closely with our hospice team to discuss and address the needs of both our patients and their families.
Opportunities
At Margaret Mary, our Hospice department offers a variety of volunteering opportunities so you can find the role that best fits you. We offer roles that involve both direct and indirect patient care. Our volunteers:
- Provide support to patients by visiting, sitting or taking walks with them, as well as reading or writing letters to them.
- Run errands for patients and their families.
- Provide on-call support by responding to patients with immediate needs.
- Make phone calls from the Hospice office to assess each patient’s need for medication and supplies.
- Help ensure no patient dies alone by being present during the final stages of a patient’s life.
- Provide basic cosmetology services (cosmetology license required).
- Provide bereavement services to family members by making visits and phone calls or sending cards.
- Provide the Hospice office with clerical assistance.
