At the End of Life, What Matters Most?
Dignity. Comfort. Family and friends. Peace of mind… and the highest level of compassionate care. Mercy Health — New Life Hospice understands this. Mercy Health — New Life Hospice celebrates the circle of life and regards dying as a normal part of this process. Hospice care neither hastens nor postpones death. Our various levels of personalized in-home and inpatient care focus on what’s most important to you and your family — peace, comfort and the courage to face this sacred journey. We’re committed to caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses and supporting their loved ones.
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care provides compassionate care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Mercy Health — New Life Hospice aims to enrich our patients’ remaining months of life. We focus on managing pain and symptoms in warm and familiar surroundings, where family and friends can comfort loved ones. We also help our patients cope with end-of-life decisions.
What End-stage Diseases Qualify for Hospice Care Services?
At Mercy Health — New Life Hospice, we care for patients with:
- AIDS
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Lou Gerhig’s diseases
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
- General physical weakness from illness
Services We Provide
Our unparalleled services include:
- Personal care
- Palliative care
- Medical equipment
- Pain and symptom management
- Medication related to terminal illness
- Grief support for adults and children
- Music and complementary therapies
- On-call registered nurse 24 hours a day
- Emotional and spiritual support for patient and family
- Education and training to family members
How are Hospice Services Paid?
You can pay for hospice care in a number of ways, including:
- Medicare (Part A) and Medicaid hospice benefit, which covers hospice care services including clinical visits, equipment and supplies needed to care for terminally ill patients
- Private insurance, which covers most, if not all, hospice care services
- Private pay, where you pay out of pocket
- From private funds
What Kind of Care is Available at the Hospice Center?
Mercy Health — New Life Hospice provides three levels of compassionate hospice care to meet your needs.Acute Inpatient Care
We provide inpatient hospice care for patients who can’t be cared for at home because of a medical crisis. Mercy Health — New Life Hospice Center has private rooms with a home-like setting. Family, friends and pets are welcome to visit their loved one anytime. Patients and visitors also have access to the Center’s chapel, library, kitchen, solarium and patio. Patients receive 24-hour pain control and symptom management. This level of care is covered by Medicare/Medicaid and most private insurances.
Respite Care
Respite care gives caregivers a much needed break. To receive respite care, caregivers should talk with the team nurse. This level of care is covered by Medicare/ Medicaid and most private insurances.
Routine Care
Routine care assists caregivers when they need help with the patient at home. It can also be delivered as an alternative to in-home care if a patient isn’t safe at home or needs short-term transitional care. Room and board charges associated with this level of care are paid through private funds.
When is it Time to Consider Hospice?
It may be time to consider hospice care when:
- Life expectancy is months, not years
- Pain and symptoms aren’t manageable
- No other treatment options are available
- The patient doesn’t want to continue treatment
Is there Support After a Loved One Dies?
Mercy Health — New Life Hospice has a number of grief support programs for family and friends, including:
- Education
- Counseling
- Support groups
- Bereavement support
How Can I Help Support New Life Hospice?
Donations and volunteers are always welcome, and all contributions are tax deductible. For more information, call us at 440-934-1458.
Myths and Facts About Hospice Care
Myth: Hospice care is for cancer patients.
Fact: Hospice care is for anyone with a life-limiting illness.
Myth: Hospice care means leaving home.
Fact: Studies show most people prefer to stay in their own home surrounded by family and friends. Hospice care is offered wherever home may be — your own home or someone else’s, a nursing home, or assisted living facility. An inpatient unit dedicated to hospice care is also available at Mercy Health — New Life Center.
Myth: Hospice care patients don’t receive pain medication.
Fact: Hospice care teams are specialists in pain and symptom management.
Myth: Hospice care requires a physician referral.
Fact: Anyone can refer a patient for hospice care. We’ll share information and updates with your physician to ensure coordinated care.