Providence Hospice Spokane

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

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

Hospice care usually takes place in the comfort of the patient's home. Hospice care can also be provided in other settings, 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.

A decision to enter hospice care can be made 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 is made by the patient, family and their physician, preferably as soon as it's clear the focus is no longer on curing the illness. This allows time for the hospice team to establish a relationship and manage the patient's symptoms and comfort effectively.

Hospice care covers the following services:

• Home visits by the interdisciplinary team, consisting of the:

• Nurse
• Social worker
• Chaplain
• Certified home health aide
• Volunteer
• A dietitian, physical therapist and occupational therapist can also be consulted
• Grief support services are provided to families for 13 months following the patient’s death
• Medications related to terminal illness
• Medical supplies, including medical equipment realted to the terminal illness

Medicare has two parts: hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B).

Part A covers hospice services and pays nearly all the costs of a patient’s hospice care, which can include:

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

The Medicare hospice benefit doesn't cover:

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

Medicaid has a similar hospice benefit, as do most private insurance plans. Patients with private insurance should contact the insurance provider's customer service department for specific coverage details regarding hospice benefits.

Hospice works closely with your primary care physician to create a care plan that meets your unique needs. You can continue to see your primary care physician at their clinic as needed.

You can change your mind at any time and revoke hospice services. You may return to the hospital and pursue treatment if you desire.

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

Call us 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.