Caring, Comfort, Compassion
Hospice is not a place; it is a philosophy of care when curative measures are no longer beneficial. The emphasis is on providing comfort, not cure; on family, not just the patient; on quality of life, not duration.
The goal is to assist patients and their families to prepare physically, spiritually and emotionally for the end of life. We at Cleveland Clinic's Hospice at Home believe that no one facing a life-limiting illness needs to walk alone…we are here to walk with you.
Hospice strives to make dying a life experience. It allows patients to maintain control over their lives, prepare for death in their own way and live their final months in a familiar environment, fostering a sense of personal dignity. We recognize that this is a difficult time. We will listen to your concerns and answer your questions so that you can make an informed decision.
Hospice care is valuable when:
- A person is diagnosed with a terminal illness and has a life expectancy measured in months rather than years
- The goal of treatment is comfort and symptom management
- Curative treatments are no longer beneficial
Anyone with a life-limiting illness may qualify for hospice, including those with cancer, heart or lung disease, kidney or liver failure, AIDS, dementia, or ALS.
Hospice at Home is a covered benefit by Medicare, Ohio Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Services provided under the hospice benefit include medications related to the illness, medical equipment and supplies, oxygen therapy, and respite care. Regardless of the ability to pay, no one is turned away from receiving care at Hospice of Cleveland Clinic.
Hospice Care Settings
Home
The majority of people receive hospice care in their homes. The hospice team will make routine visits and be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for support and urgent visits. Any equipment for medical care and safety, along with hospice medications, will be conveniently delivered to the home.
Residential Care Facility
For those people residing in assisted living or extended care facilities, hospice services can be provided in addition to your existing care.
Respite Care
In the event the primary caregiver needs a rest from care giving responsibilities, hospice may provide short-term care in a nursing home.
Requesting Hospice Care
Choosing hospice services early provides time for patients and families to form meaningful relationships with their hospice team, and to receive the most benefit from the service. Hospice care can be requested by the patient, as well as by family members, physicians, friends or clergy on behalf of the patient.
To see if hospice care is right for you or a loved one, call Cleveland Clinic's Hospice at Home at 216.444.HOME (4663) or 800.263.0403
A hospice team member will discuss your needs, explain available services and review insurance coverage options. Services generally start within 24 hours from the initial call.
Hospice is a covered benefit by Medicare, Ohio Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Services provided under the hospice benefit include medications related to the illness, medical equipment and supplies, oxygen therapy, and respite care. Regardless of the ability to pay, no one is turned away from receiving care at Cleveland Clinic's Hospice at Home.
Your Support Team
Hospice care is provided to the patient and family by dedicated support professionals, utilizing a team approach. Each member of the team provides expertise in developing a plan of care to meet your specific needs. The team includes:
- Your personal physician
- Physicians with expertise in palliative medicine are available to consult with your personal physician and act as a resource for pain and symptom management.
- Registered Nurses collaborate with the hospice team to develop a plan of care that will meet the individual needs of each patient/family. Nurses provide expertise in the areas of assessment and pain and symptom management.
- Home Care Aides provide bathing and personal care services, light housekeeping and assistance with activities of daily living.
- Medical Social Workers who are specially trained in end-of-life care provide emotional support and counseling. Social workers also help with financial concerns and coordinate community resource needs.
- Chaplains offer support and guidance in matters of spirituality.
- Volunteers are friends who offer helping hands with errands, and provide companionship and respite for the family and caregivers.
- Music and Art Therapists
Bereavement Services
A component of the philosophy of hospice is that we need not walk alone after the death of a loved one. As part of the healing process, our bereavement support meetings offer emotional support in a caring environment with others who share a similar experience.
During the first year of bereavement, hospice support includes:
- Bereavement support meetings for loved ones of patients who were in the hospice program
- A six-week bereavement education support group
- Bereavement volunteers who are in contact with families for encouragement and support for 13 months
- An annual memorial service for families and friends to celebrate and remember loved ones who died during that year
How You Can Make a Difference
You and your family can make a difference for others for years to come by considering donations to the Hospice of Cleveland Clinic Memorial and Tribute Fund. Your gift will provide care to those in need, as well as support for education and research toward improving hospice care for everyone.
Become a Volunteer
Join our volunteer team and play an important role in the care of patients. No experience is necessary, but caring and compassion are required. Positions and commitments are flexible. Volunteer services include: home care, domestic, hands-on patient care, nursing home, bereavement, vigil care, clerical, fundraising, Speaker’s Bureau, service projects.
For more information, download our volunteer brochure.