Skilled Nursing
Pain and symptom assessment, medication education, caregiver support, and coordination with physicians.
Services
Hospice services designed around comfort
Comprehensive care for patients and families facing serious illness, wherever home may be.
Overview
Care wherever the patient calls home
Hospice provides specialized care for people with a life-limiting illness when the focus is comfort, quality of life, and support rather than curative treatment. Care can be provided in a private residence, assisted living community, or nursing facility.
Core Services
A complete hospice team at your side
Hospice Medical Director
Physician oversight for the hospice plan of care and clinical support.
Hospice Aide Services
Personal care support as ordered in the plan of care.
Social Work
Counseling, coping support, practical resources, family communication, and help with difficult decisions.
Spiritual Care
Chaplain and spiritual support consistent with the patient's beliefs and preferences.
Volunteer Support
Companionship, practical support, and family presence when available.
Bereavement Support
Grief support for family members and loved ones for at least 13 months after death.
Medications, Equipment & Supplies
Hospice-related medications, durable medical equipment, and supplies related to the terminal illness and related conditions.
Four Levels of Hospice Care
The right level of care, at the right time
Hospice care adjusts as needs change. These are the four levels of care defined by Medicare and covered by most hospice benefits.
1
Routine Home Care
The most common level of care. Includes intermittent visits by hospice team members based on the plan of care.
For stable symptoms with scheduled visits.
2
Continuous Home Care
Short-term crisis care provided in the home when symptoms require predominantly nursing care. Not a substitute for 24/7 caregiving.
For short-term symptom crises at home.
3
General Inpatient Care
Short-term care for pain or symptoms that cannot be managed in the current setting, typically in a contracted facility until symptoms stabilize.
For symptoms that need facility-level management.
4
Respite Care
Short-term inpatient care intended to provide temporary relief to the caregiver. When eligible, respite may be available for up to five consecutive days.
For caregiver relief and rest.
What Hospice Usually Covers
A clear look at coverage
Typically covered
- Nursing, aide, social work, chaplain, volunteer, and medical director services
- Medications related to the terminal illness and related conditions
- Durable medical equipment related to the terminal illness
- Supplies related to the terminal illness
Typically not covered
- Room and board in most nursing facilities or assisted living settings
- 24/7 bedside custodial care or sitter services
- Curative treatment for the terminal illness after hospice election
- Services, medications, or equipment unrelated to the terminal illness unless covered separately by insurance
Coverage details depend on your insurance and clinical situation. Call (605) 389-3141 to talk through your specifics.
Questions about what hospice covers?
Our team will walk you through everything — from levels of care to what's included.