Hospice Care

Hospice care is a specialized form of end-of-life support for individuals diagnosed with a life-limiting illness and a prognosis of six months or less. At this stage, curative treatments—such as chemotherapy, radiation, or organ transplants—are typically discontinued. However, patients continue to receive medical care focused on comfort, including symptom relief for pain, nausea, and other distressing effects of their illness.

At Elation Hospice & Palliative Care, we are dedicated to delivering compassionate, professional care that honors the dignity and comfort of every patient. By addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, we help patients, and their families find meaningful moments and peace during life’s most challenging times.

Contact us today to learn how we can support you and your loved one on this journey with care, respect, and compassion.

 While hospice providers may not deliver all medical care directly, they play a vital role in supporting patients' needs. They assist with coordinating and setting up essential medical equipment, ensuring everything is in place for comfort and safety. Additionally, hospice organizations supply commonly needed medical items—such as bed pads, gloves, and other essentials—so families don’t have to manage these details on their own. 

 Respite care offers temporary relief for primary caregivers by allowing the hospice team to step in and provide care for a short period. This gives family members a much-needed break to rest, recharge, or attend to personal needs, knowing their loved one is in capable, compassionate hands. 

  Hospice staff may provide services during a temporary hospital stay. 

 A terminal diagnosis often brings up strong emotions in patients and family members. Specific services aimed at easing the loss, including grief counseling, are available to the patient’s family for up to 13 months after the patient’s death. 

Elation Hospice & Palliative Care provides compassionate support for individuals and families during the final stages of life. The length of hospice care depends on each patient’s condition—while many receive care for weeks or months, some live beyond initial expectations and continue receiving services for as long as needed. Our team delivers personalized care wherever the patient resides, whether in a family home, assisted living facility, or nursing home.

Starting hospice can be a difficult decision, especially when a patient is unsure about stopping curative treatments. It’s helpful to discuss hospice options early—with caregivers and the medical team—after a serious diagnosis to ensure everyone is prepared when the time comes.

For those with serious but non-terminal illnesses, palliative care offers similar support while allowing continued medical treatment. It focuses on quality of life and symptom relief, and many private insurance plans offer coverage for both hospice and palliative care services.

Patients are often referred to hospice or palliative care by their primary care physician, but family members can also start the conversation—especially when it's clear that comfort and quality of life should become the focus of care.

To qualify for hospice care, the following criteria typically apply:

• A terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less
   
• A decision to stop curative treatment and shift to comfort-focused care
   
• Evidence of disease progression, such as:
   
  • No longer responding to treatments
     
  • Noticeable weight loss or recurring infections
     
  • Frequent hospitalizations
     
  • Worsening clinical indicators of advanced illness
     

Additional disease-specific guidelines may also apply. Patients with advanced cancer, heart failure, or COPD often experience a gradual decline in function, which may signal the need for hospice or palliative care. When curative treatments are no longer effective, these services offer vital support focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

At Elation Hospice & Palliative Care, we work closely with patients and their families from the moment a referral is made. Our team meets with the patient and caregivers to assess needs, assign a dedicated social worker, and coordinate care with the patient’s existing healthcare providers. All care is delivered wherever the patient resides—at home or in a care facility—eliminating the need for travel.

Our hospice care process includes:

• Initial Assessment: We evaluate the patient’s condition and determine hospice eligibility.
   
• Quick Admission: In most cases, we can admit a patient within an hour of contact, or schedule admission based on the family's timing.
   
• Coordinated Care: Services are aligned with the patient’s regular medical team to ensure seamless, continuous support.
   
• In-Home Services: We provide care in the patient’s home or in settings like assisted living, memory care, or independent living facilities.
   

Hospice care is typically fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.

If you or a loved one may benefit from hospice care, contact Elation Hospice & Palliative Care to learn more about how we can help.