Hospice Care
When dealing with a terminal illness most people want the power to decide where they die, how their symptoms are managed and who they are surrounded by. Heartlinks is dedicated to making this happen. Heartlinks supports patients, their families and friends holistically by focusing on what’s most important to them: spending time together, sharing memories, saying goodbye, finding peace and caring for one another.
Make the most of your final months. Months, not weeks.
What is Hospice Care?
The goal of hospice is to manage pain and other symptoms of a life-limiting illness, enabling individuals to spend their last months in dignity. Most individuals on hospice care have a life expectancy of six months or less but can continue service if they still qualify after six months. Some people graduate from hospice after their health improves due to the compassionate care they receive from Heartlinks.
Those who do not improve in health, improve in quality of life.
Hospice care can help those with serious illnesses, such as:
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Cancer
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Heart Disease
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Lung Disease/COPD
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Kidney Disease
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Liver Disease
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Stroke
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Alzheimer's/Dementia
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Parkinson's Disease
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ALS
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Neurological Diseases
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HIV/AIDS
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...and other serious illnesses
Compassionate Care Wherever You Call Home
100% of our Hospice Care is provided in the patient’s home, whether “home” for them is their current residence, where they grew up, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, an adult family home or other place they call home.
Every hospice patient receives:
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The ability to remain in place wherever you call home.
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The ability to leave your home, if you are able, to enjoy life, spend time with loved ones and experience nature.
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Clinical support and visits, 24/7.
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The Medical Director is available to hospice staff 24/7 for urgent medical changes or orders.
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A home health aide for bathing assistance.
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A social worker who will help you navigate the hospice process and access community resources for you and your family.
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A spiritual counselor who will help support your whole person and your family members (if requested).
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A volunteer for companionship (if requested).
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Access to symptom management medications as your condition changes.
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Volunteer services
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Massage therapy
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Pet therapy
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Durable medical equipment as needed for your diagnosis and care.
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Disposable medical and incontinence supplies.
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Wound care and wound-care supplies.
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Guidance for symptom management and close monitoring as your health condition changes.
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Respite care at a local skilled nursing facility for up to five days at a time, giving your caregivers rest.
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A grief counselor for you and/or your family members leading up to and after a loved one’s passing.
Get Answers to Your Questions About Hospice Care
Whether you're seeking information about our care team, our approach to care, or how to access hospice services, we're here to provide clarity and support.
Most people wait too long before receiving hospice care and miss out on the many benefits of care for you and your family. Hospice is more than just pain management in the last few days of life.
Did your medical provider give you a life expectancy of six months or less? If so, you may qualify for hospice care.
The skilled care, medications, disposable medical supplies and durable medical equipment that is associated with your diagnosis and provided by Heartlinks is paid for through Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, other health benefits you may have and donations from the community. No patient is ever billed by Heartlinks for care related to their diagnosis.
Patients and their family are encouraged to be involved in making care decisions based on personal and family needs. At Heartlinks, you have a full team of caregivers accessible to you:
- Medical Director
- Clinical Director
- Registered Nurse
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Medical Social Worker
- Spiritual Counselor (if desired)
- Grief Counselor for you and your family
- Companion, Pet Therapy and Massage Therapy Volunteers (if desired)
Heartlinks utilizes your Medicare hospice benefit. Normally while on hospice care you would no longer go to the hospital. Our goal at Heartlinks is to manage your symptoms effectively so returning to the hospital is not necessary. However, it is possible that while on hospice care a situation may arise when a patient and their family change their minds. In this circumstance, you never lose the right to make medical decisions for yourself. Your hospice team will happily discuss all your options with you to make sure you are comfortable with every choice you make.
These treatments are not available while you are on hospice care. With complex illness, there are many variables to care. A Heartlinks nurse can meet with you and your family to answer any questions you have and discuss your options and timing of services.
For most Heartlinks’ patients, periodic reassessment is required for hospice eligibility. These assessments happen after you are on serve for 90 days, 180 days and then every 60 days indefinitely. There are times when individuals on hospice care will improve and no longer qualify for care. If this happens, Heartlinks will work with you and your family to set up a safe discharge plan, and we are always available should you need or qualify for our care again.
If your personal doctor is willing and available, they can remain involved while you are on hospice care. This varies with providers’ experience and comfort level with end-of-life care. If your doctor chooses not to follow you, our hospice medical director will oversee your care.
Round-the-clock caregiving is not provided under the hospice care benefit. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and will educate and train your caregivers about your disease progression to support you in your care. Our team of social workers can help you understand your options for round-the-clock care and assist you as you search for the best fit for your needs.
You will have one nurse case manager. Our goal is that you will be seen by your nurse case manager for the entirety of your care; however, nurses will occasionally take personal time off work to rest or recover from illness. And, at times other patients may need their attention for an urgent situation. In these cases, you may be seen by another nurse.
You may call (509) 837-1676 anytime of day or night. Nursing staff are available to help with any situation that may arise.
Hospice care is provided in your home, adult family home, skilled care facility or assisted living facility. Our providers conduct appointments via telehealth and our nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors and volunteers visit you wherever you call home.
Get Information About Hospice Care
A referral to any of our programs can be made by anyone, including family members, friends, or healthcare professionals. To make a hospice care referral or to request more information, please call (509) 837-1676 or complete the form below. A member of our team will contact you as soon as possible.
Heartlinks complies with HIPAA and protects your health information. View our privacy practices here.
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