Learn more about hospice and some of the most commonly asked questions we get from patients and caregivers about them.
Compassionate care and support to enhance quality of life
Focuses on maximizing comfort and quality of life through holistic care that addresses the emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient and their family.
Our home health services include compassionate, holistic hospice care to patients in their homes, with a focus on comfort and quality of life at the end of one’s life.
What to expect with Hospice
Patients and families turn to home hospice care when a patient receives a life-limiting diagnosis of six months or less, curative medical treatment is discontinued and the patient is able to remain at home. Hospice Care at VNA offers the highest level of compassion, dignity and quality of care for patients and their loved ones. Our focus is always on you and your family’s special needs and wishes.
We offer the highest level of compassion, dignity and quality of care for patients and their loved ones. Our focus, always, is on patients and their caregivers’ special needs and wishes, and our team is committed to fulfilling them.
Individualized care plans
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to hospice care. We take a holistic view of each of our patients to ensure peace and comfort. We also look for ways to support their caregiver and their family members during this time.
Pain management
Pain can look different for each person and for each diagnosis. We make sure to take all factors into account when determining our care plan and as we continue to manage pain throughout a patient’s time in our care.
Educational support
We understand that navigating medical diagnoses is difficult and often comes with many unknowns. We are here to support the patients, caregivers and family members by breaking down care into an easy-to-digest manner and providing education along the way.
Spiritual & emotional support
No matter your religious or spiritual beliefs, we provide services to support you and your loved ones as they navigate this stage of life.
Caregiver respite & support
Hospice rarely affects only the patient. It can also affect the many family members and loved ones surrounding the patient. We are there to support the caregivers during this stage as well.
Grief & bereavement support
After a loved one has passed, there is often a swell of emotions, including grief. Our grief and bereavement support is there to help during the days leading up to a loved ones passing, as well as the time following their death.
94%
According to The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), 94% of hospice patients have their pain and other symptoms well-controlled through hospice care.
Hospice FAQs
What do I need to know about hospice?
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What is VNA Hospice Wish?
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We try to identify a particular last wish a patient may have, something they’ve wanted to do that’s attainable and we could help facilitate. We will work with other third party providers and see how we can provide that for our patient.
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How long do bereavement services for hospice caregivers last?
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We provide bereavement services for 13 months after a patient passes per Medicare requirements to help them get through the first year of milestones, but if a caregiver needs a little more help than 13 months, we are still committed to providing services.
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What services are provided under hospice?
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- Individualized care plans
- Pain/comfort management
- Educational support
- Spiritual & emotional support
- Caregiver respite & support
- Grief & bereavement support
- Volunteer opportunities
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Who is hospice for?
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Hospice is for patients who receive a life-limiting diagnosis of six months or less, are no longer seeking curative medical treatment and are able to remain at home.
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Who can I contact if I have more questions?
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For more information or assistance, please contact us online or call our main office at 816-531-1200. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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What are my rights as a patient?
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Federal law requires that home health care agencies inform all patients of their rights and responsibilities. We can provide you with a summary of patient rights and responsibilities that are consistent with state laws, as well as our notice of privacy practices.
See our coverage
Find out if your address is covered by our visiting nurses so you can receive quality care at home.
Do I qualify?
Learn more about what questions you should be asking yourself or your loved one to figure out if you qualify for one of VNA’s home health services.
