Hospice Services

Who Pays For Care

Medicare or Medicaid:
The cost of care can be paid by Medicare and Medicaid under guidelines of particular federal and state programs.

Private Insurance:
The agency accepts private insurance payment. Each insurance company is different and agency professionals will assist you to inquire about hospice benefits with your insurance carrier.

Private Funds:
The cost of care may be offset by personal contributions. A flexible sliding scale fee schedule is available based on need using the Federal Government Poverty Guidelines.

Memorials and Donations:
Some services are supported through community donations and are offered without charge to families and community groups. Donations and Memorials are welcomed as a source of on-going support. Contributions are tax deductible.

In-Patient Respite Care

Respite care is a short-term inpatient stay which may be necessary in order to give temporary relief to those caregivers helping with a terminally ill patient’s care. Respite care may be provided only in Medicare-approved facilities that Mercy Hospice is contracted with for up to five (5) days at a time. Those facilities include Covenant Towers, Kingston Nursing Center, and Loris Extended Care. In-patient Respite Care is for those patients who are on the Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or Tri-care Hospice Benefit.

Request a visit or family presentation

Family and friends can make referrals and ask for a free presentation of our services. Admission to hospice is based on need and the recommendation of the patient’s physician. To schedule a presentation, please contact our Referral Coordinator at 843-347-5500.

Home Care Services provided at your home of choice

Hospice care can be provided in the patient’s “residence of choice” – private residence, a skilled nursing facility, hospital, or assisted living facility. Government regulations require that we have a contract in place if the patient’s “residence” is any place other than home.

When to choose Hospice

Deciding on hospice care can be an enormous emotional strain for those whose loved one has been fighting a terminal illness. The choice to stop seeking treatment for the cure of a terminal illness should be made after a thorough and informed discussion with the physician. If the patient is not thinking clearly, family members need to remain respectful to the wishes and decisions that the individual decided previously in their Living Will.

It is important to understand that a patient must meet certain criteria before receiving hospice care. It is only for those who are terminally ill. Terminally ill patients are those with less than six months of life expectancy. This must be certified in writing by the patient’s primary attending physician and confirmed by our Medical Director. Patients who wish to spend the rest of their time at home must also have a caregiver physically able and willing to provide in-home support. If the decision is made to make the patient comfortable with pain management and discontinue aggressive treatment, then hospice care is appropriate.

Interdisciplinary CareMedical Director, Beth Cardosi, with nurses

Your interdisciplinary care team is derived from medical professionals who each bring concepts, knowledge, and expertise together to provide our patients with the absolute best care possible! Working together as an interdisciplinary teams improves patient care!

The role of the Mercy Hospice staff is:

The Medical Director
The Hospice Medical Director attends the interdisciplinary team meeting, gives guidance to the staff regarding the patient’s Plan of Care, and is available to the patient’s attending physician for consultation.

Primary Care Nurse
Upon admission, you will be assigned a primary care nurse who will coordinate and manage your care. Nurses have extensive training and clinical proficiency. They treat all patients with compassion and understanding. Services provided by our nursing staff include:

  • Regularly scheduled visits.
  • On-call services 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Coordination of care.
  • Pain and symptom management.
  • Skilled assessments.
  • Training of family in patient’s care.

Social Worker
A social worker is available to help the patient and their families deal with the emotional issues and challenges that may be faced during a terminal illness. Services include:

  • Provide emotional support and guidance to the patient and family.
  • Identify community resources, which may be available to help you.
  • Assist with financial concerns if appropriate.
  • Assist with Living Wills and/or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.

Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs)
Certified Nurse Assistants are available to assist the family with care such as bathing, dressing, grooming, hair care, nail care, skin care, shaving, ambulating assistance, and linen changes. Days of service vary depending upon the patient’s needs.

Chaplain
Hospice spiritual care is based upon a high respect for the patients and caregivers personal faith and beliefs. Our chaplains do not impose their belief system or seek to change the belief system of others. Instead, they are available to offer spiritual support to patients and their families as they face the challenges of a terminal illness.

If you would like to make a referral or if you’d just like more information, please contact:

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