Hospice is philosophy of care, not a place

Hospice care is a multi-disciplinary approach to caring for patients with a terminal illness. By definition, patients are eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit when a physician deems that they have six months or less to live. Patients and their physician make the decision to discontinue curative treatment, and instead emphasize palliative care to keep a patient comfortable, and maintain the highest possible quality of life for as long as possible.

Patients may receive hospice services in their own homes, or wherever they are—in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility or even in a hospital. We also offer residential hospice care at the Richard L. Rosenthal Hospice Residence (a 12-bed facility located on the campus of Stamford Hospital).

The essence of hospice care is comfort. It is also about respecting a patients wishes for how they want to live in the final stage of their life. At VNHC, our goal is to help patients to be pain-free, and to be made comfortable from the symptoms of their disease and its treatment. We hope to make a difficult time for patients and their families easier to bear, addressing emotional and spiritual needs as well as medical and physical needs.

Hospice Care Services:

• Pain and Symptom Management
• Physical Therapy
• Social Work
• Pastoral Care for Patients and Families
• Bereavement Counseling for Patients and Families
• Volunteer Services

VNHC also offers palliative home care to transitional patients who have not yet decided to choose hospice. They may not be ready to accept the finality of their illness, and may elect to continue treatment.

The insurance/Medicare protocol varies for these patients, but VNHC’s focus is the same: keeping our patients comfortable, free from pain and symptoms, and helping them maintain their quality of life and independence for as long as possible.

How to arrange for hospice care:

You may receive a referral for hospice services from your physician, or hospital, or from a clinic or social service agency. You or a family member may also call our office directly to discuss your preferences or arrange for an admission visit: 203-276-3004.