Hospice provides comfort and support to patients and families facing a life-limiting illness. The goal of hospice care is optimizing quality of life and meeting the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of patients. We focus on comfort.

Anyone who has a medical condition with a prognosis of six months or less if the disease or condition runs its normal course. Hospice is for patients who have chosen to focus on comfort care.

Hospice care usually takes place in the comfort of your home but can be provided in any setting, including skilled nursing homes, residential care facilities and the hospital.

Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans pay for hospice services. We also accept private payment. No one is denied services because of an inability to pay.

At any time during a life-threatening illness when a cure is no longer possible, or the patient decides to discontinue curative care and focus on comfort. The decision to enter hospice care is made with the patient, family and their physician, preferably as soon as it is clear the focus is no longer on curing the illness. This allows sufficient time for the hospice team to establish a relationship and manage the patient's symptoms.

Home visits by the interdisciplinary team consisting of the nurse, social worker, chaplain, certified home health aide and volunteer. A dietitian, physical therapist and occupational therapist can also be consulted. Medications related to terminal illness are covered as well as medical supplies and medical equipment. Grief support services are provided to families for 13 months following the patient’s death.

Medicare has two parts: hospital insurance (or Part A) and medical insurance or (Part B). Part A covers hospice services and pays nearly all the costs of a patient’s hospice care, which can include:

• · Home visits by the hospice staff
• Approved medications for symptom control and pain relief
• Many types of medical equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers) and supplies (like bandages and catheters)
• Short-term respite care in a nursing home
• Authorized outpatient procedures to ease symptoms
• Approved hospitalization for symptom management
• Grief and loss counseling

The Medicare hospice benefit does not cover:

• Treatment intended to cure a terminal illness
• Care from a hospice other than the current hospice provider (Providence Hospice Spokane)
• Room and board at an assisted living facility, nursing facility or adult family home

Medicaid has a similar hospice benefit, as do most private insurance plans. Those with private insurance should contact the company’s customer service department for specific information regarding hospice benefits.

Hospice works closely with the patient's primary care physician to create a care plan that meets the patient’s unique needs. Patients can continue to see their primary care physician in the office setting as needed.

Patients can change their mind at any time and revoke the hospice benefit. Patients may return to the hospital and pursue treatment if they desire.

We serve all religions and denominational preferences. Our chaplains are educated in all faiths and religious practices. In addition, we can meet the specific needs of the Catholic community.

Call 509-474-2996 and our admissions department will arrange for a physician order. Our staff will make an appointment to visit the patient, complete an assessment, sign consents and develop a care plan.

We are very grateful for the generosity of our supporters who help us give patients the best possible care. Providence Hospice Spokane is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

There are several ways you can help us. To learn more about volunteering opportunities, please call 509-474-2996.