
Q: What can Mercy Care do for me?
A: Mercy Care will provide you and your loved ones with comfort, support, and care by a team which includes physicians, nurses, nurses aides, social workers and chaplains, so you may continue to enjoy a comfortable way of life.
Q: Should I wait for a physician to raise the possibility of hospice or should I raise it first?
A: The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy or friends. You can also call Mercy Care to speak with someone about hospice services 843.848.6480. Mercy Care can contact your physician for you if you feel that you or a loved one need hospice services.
Q: When should a decision about receiving hospice services be made?
A: At any time during an advancing illness, it is appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. The earlier you contact Mercy Care, the better! Mercy’s services provide support for the caregiver and patient, so please call and get the support and care you and your loved one deserve.
Q: How do I arrange hospice care?
A: Call us at 843.848.6480. A referral can be made to Mercy Care by the patient, loved one, family member, friend, clergy, hospital staff or physician.
Q: How will pain medications keep my loved one comfortable?
A: Mercy Care has the most qualified expertise in pain management. Our medical director, Dr. Charles Sasser, M.D., is the only certified hospice and palliative care physician in Horry County. Our goal is to keep patients pain-free and comfortable by using combinations of different medications and therapies.
Q: Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
A: Certainly. If the patient’s condition improves, the patient can request to no longer receive hospice services. If a patient should later need to return to hospice, simply Mercy Care. We are here for you.
Q: How is hospice care paid for?
A: In most cases Mercy Care's services are fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance policies. In addition, Mercy Care is a non-profit agency and receives generous support from the community. No one is denied services because of inability to pay.
Q: How does hospice provide help to a patient's family and friends?
A: Mercy Care understands that the terminal illness of a loved affects everyone involved. We not only provide support for the patient, but also for the caregiver and family. Mercy provides educational and emotional support to everyone involved, a family member, friend or loved one.
Q: Where is Hospice care provided?
A: Patients can receive hospice services in many different settings--in their own homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or hospitals.