Hospice Chautauqua County
"Providing physical, emotional, social,and financial comfort is our primary goal in an atmosphere of
intensive caring, not intensive care." ~Dr. Bert Rappole, M.D. - Founding board member, Hospice Chautauqua County
  
 
What is Hospice?
Hospice is a special kind of care for persons and their families facing an incurable, end-stage illness. Hospice provides care wherever one calls home. Whether you live in a home, apartment, assisted living facility, nursing home or elsewhere, we will care for you there. The Hospice team includes physicians, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and volunteers. Speech, physical and occupational therapists are also available if needed. The hospice team develops a care plan that meets each person’s individual needs for pain management and symptom control. The team at Hospice work together focusing on the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs that patients and families experience when dealing with a terminal illness.
Why do people choose Hospice?
Hospice allows terminally ill people and their families to remain together in the comfort and dignity of their homes. Hospice care is patient and family focused. Services are provided for the patient and family. Hospice care differs from other forms of health care in that it focuses on the patient’s support system as well as the patient. Hospice staff are trained in comfort care and symptom control. It is our mission to help patients live their days as peacefully and pain-free as possible. Choosing hospice care shifts the focus of treatment from aggressive medical curative measures to medical comfort measures. Hospice does nothing to speed up or slow down the dying process, but accepts death as a natural and inevitable event.
How can I get Hospice care?
Your primary physician can refer you. He or she must certify that you have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less (if the disease runs its usual course). Family members, friends, clergy, or health professionals can also make referrals, but you will still need to be seen by a physician. Talk to your physician today about Hospice.
How do I pay for Hospice care?
Hospice services are covered by Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and most private insurers. If a person does not have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or a private insurance company, hospice will work with the person and their family to ensure needed services can be provided.
When is the right time to ask about Hospice?
Before you need it! Now is the best time to learn more about hospice care and ask questions about what to expect. Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, it is best for loved ones and family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern. By having these discussions in advance, uncomfortable situations can be avoided. Call Hospice Chautauqua County at (716)753-5383 or toll free 1-888-672-2362 or visit our website at www.hospicechautco.org for more information on services.