Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hospice Care?
Hospice is a philosophy of care for patients nearing the final stage of life. For patients with a terminal diagnosis who have decided that curative treatments are no longer an option, hospice care focuses on the patient’s comfort, keeping them free of pain and symptoms so that they can maintain the highest possible quality of life for as long as possible.
Hospice care provides a multi-disciplinary approach to caring for patients that may include all of the following: skilled nursing, home health aide services, physical therapy, bereavement counseling, pastoral care, medical social work and volunteer services.
Who qualifies for Hospice Care?
Any adult patient who has been given a prognosis of 6 months or less, and who has decided with their physician to discontinue further treatment, is eligible for hospice care. VNHC does not provide pediatric hospice care.
Where can I receive Hospice Care?
VNHC provides in-home hospice care in the towns of lower Fairfield County (Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Wilton and Westport), as long as there is adequate support at home from family members or other caregivers.
Many patients and families prefer to receive 24-hour care in VNHC’s hospice residence. Our Richard L. Rosenthal Hospice Residence is a 12-bed hospice facility created to feel like a home away from home. Located on the grounds of Stamford Hospital, all rooms at our Residence are spacious and private, with many opening out onto garden spaces. Visitors (including children) are welcome at all times, and there are facilities for family members to cook, shower and sleep. This facility is the only residence of its kind in the state of CT, and is a model of end-of-life care. Please call our office to arrange for a visit of this facility.
Hospice care can also be provided by the VNHC team at local hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.
How is hospice care paid for?
For patients who are Medicare-eligible, there is a Medicare Hospice Benefit under Part A. The program pays for all medical equipment and medications related to the terminal illness, skilled nursing care, home health aide services, physical and occupational therapy, pastoral care, medical social work, bereavement counseling and volunteer assistance.
For patients at the Richard L. Rosenthal Hospice Residence, Medicare pays for all of the services above, but does not cover the cost of room and board.
Private insurance plans may also cover the cost of hospice care at home, Residence, or wherever the patient is residing.
Is hospice care limited to certain diseases?
No. Hospice care can be appropriate for any patient with a terminal diagnosis. We serve patients with ALS, Alzheimer’s, cancer and many other end-stage diseases. No matter what the illness, our hospice team is expert at pain and symptom management to keep patients comfortable, and to maximize their quality of life for as long as possible.
What if I’m not ready to stop treatment?
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 the symptoms, and helping them maintain their quality of life and independence for as long as possible.
Are there services to help family members?
At VNHC we consider the entire family to be part of our sphere of care. We recognize that this is an extremely stressful time for families and that they need support. VNHC provides family education, social work to recommend auxiliary services for the family, pastoral care if desired, and bereavement counseling to help families prepare for the death of a loved one, and to grieve in a healthy way. Bereavement services, both one-on-one counseling or group sessions, often continue for up to a year following the death of a patient.
“I will never forget how you all treated my dad with the grace and dignity with which he lived his life. It’s reassuring to know that the staff is there for us anytime in the future. Their concern and care doesn’t end, and neither does my family’s heartfelt gratitude.”
– Hospice family member
How do I arrange for hospice care?
Anyone can make a referral for hospice care. The patient or family member can call our office directly (203-276-3000) and arrange for an admission visit. We will contact your physician’s office for you.
Alternatively, referrals can be made by a physician or case manager at a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
