Hospice began in 15th century Europe as a place of shelter and rest for weary or sick travelers on long journeys. In 1967, when Cicely Saunders established St. Christopher’s Hospice in suburban London, the term hospice signified special care for dying individuals. Today, hospice refers to humane, compassionate care delivered in a variety of settings, in a patient’s home, in a freestanding care facility, in a nursing home, or in a hospital.

The Team Approach to Care

Hospice approaches the care of our patients as a team which consists of multi-disciplinary professionals, the patient, and the family. With Hospice, the patient and family are included in developing a plan of care that coincides with the patient’s physician who works closely with the Hospice team.

A Hospice nurse performs evaluations and carefully assesses medical problems. The nurse will make regular visits to the patient and will teach the family members how to care for their loved one. More importantly, a nurse is always on call to answer questions or to provide tender care.

A Hospice social worker assesses the patient and the family needs for counseling, social services, and financial assistance.  The social worker will make regular visits to ensure the patient and family receive psychological or emotional support needed.

A Hospice chaplain offers spiritual care and supplements services from the patient’s own minister or priest.

If needed, Hospice augments the team with a personal-care specialist, a trained volunteer, and other professionals.

A Hospice bereavement counselor continues the network of support and care established during the patient's life through follow-up services.  Our specially trained bereavement counselor helps a family deal with grief for up to 13 months following the patient's death.

Admission Criteria

Hospice provides affordable access to quality care through a team approach. Prior to admission, each patient must meet the following criteria:

• Patient must reside in Daviess or Hancock Counties in Kentucky
• Diagnosed as having a life limiting illness
• Certification by a physician as having approximately six months or less to live if the disease progresses as expected
• Have a physician willing to direct the Hospice plan of care
• No longer seeking curative therapies

Financial Considerations

Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies. As a result of this coverage, there are usually no additional charges billed to the patient and/or family. If such charges do occur, Hospice utilizes a sliding fee scale that greatly reduces the financial burden. With emphasis on professional care at home, the cost to the patient is kept to a minimum. Hospice ensures that all patients receive quality healthcare, regardless of the ability to pay. Access to appropriate care is available without regard to race, national origin, age, gender, religion, diagnosis, disability, sexual orientation and place of residence within the area served by our agency.