STARTING THE

Hospice Journey

There is often a misconception that once someone enters hospice care, they are “giving up.” In reality, hospice care is not just about preparing someone for their final days but enhancing the quality of life for that person weeks and months before. It provides the care they need to live as well as possible, for as long as possible. Therefore, the earlier someone seeks hospice services after a terminal diagnosis, the more hospice care can do for them.

Researching hospice care can be an emotional experience, especially with the misconception mentioned above. So, before you read any further, know this: we are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.

Even if it is just information you are seeking, we are available. A phone call is not a commitment to starting our services. It is simply a warm “Hello” and “How can we help?”

Call 616.235.5113. We’re here to help.

How do you choose a hospice provider?

When a medical provider recommends considering hospice care, a person has been given a prognosis of six months or less to live. A patient may be moving toward the end of life due to age or a life-limiting illness where a curative treatment is no longer available.

This recommendation may have come from a palliative care team, a specialist, or a practitioner. They can help by letting you know what hospice providers are available in your area. You do have a choice.

How do you begin hospice care?

Everyone’s situation is unique, so the first step is an informational visit at no charge. You, your loved one, or a medical professional can call us directly to set this up. A member of our hospice team will come to you to help determine if and when hospice would be beneficial, discuss finances and give you an opportunity to ask questions.  

By having this meeting, you are under no obligation. Hospice doesn’t start until you sign on. If you’re ready to sign on — whether before, during, or after an informational meeting — we will then schedule a hospice nurse to begin the admissions process and perform an evaluation to confirm.

Click below for more about the transition to hospice care.

Customized Care for Enhanced

Quality of Life

Now that curative treatment has ceased, the attention shifts—with the patient’s wants and wishes in mind—to maintaining their comfort and providing emotional and spiritual support for the journey.

Care is customized to the patient and can be modified as their needs change. It can be minimal (at least one hour per week is required) or more in-depth with companions, nurse visits, check-in calls, doctor visits, social workers, chaplains, and aides. Family members and caregivers are given tools and resources so they are as prepared as possible to help their loved one throughout their hospice journey. 

All Faith Hospice staff also undergo specialty dementia care training, provided by Dementia Institute, equipping them with a higher level of skills and greater empathy needed to care for and interact with patients who are living with dementia.

In-Patient vs. In-Home Care

Many people think of hospice as a place that people go. However, hospice is a type of care offered in many different settings—a patient’s home, a senior living facility, or at our in-patient hospice facility, Trillium Woods. Ultimately, the choice between in-home or in-patient hospice care depends on the level of care that the patient needs.

Click below for more about in-patient and in-home hospice care.