Hospice
Who Can Receive Hospice Care?- Back to top
A person is eligible for Hospice care when the physician and patient have concluded that curative treatment is no longer beneficial and the physician estimates that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its expected course.
Where is Hospice Care Provided?- Back to top
Hospice care is provided where the patient lives, which can mean the patient’s home, a friend or family member’s home, an apartment, an assisted living facility or a nursing home.
Patients' Geographical Location
- Home Health and Hospice of Dickinson County, Kansas will accept patients who reside within Dickinson County, Kansas.
- Within a radius of 20 miles from either Abilene or Herington offices (if outside Dickinson County).
- Discretion may be used by the Director under special circumstances in accepting a limited number of patients beyond these boundaries.
What are the Services Offered? - Back to top
PHYSICIAN / NURSING CARE
- Patient Care is directed by your physician and followed by a Hospice nurse
- Nurses provide expertise in pain and symptom management
- Families and caregivers can be trained to give patient care
- A Registered Nurse is on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for patients and/or families
HOME HEALTH AIDE
- Helps with personal care tasks such as bathing and personal hygiene
- Carries out light household duties
MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK
- Seeks out community resources
- Focus on the patient and family issues dealing with loss
- Provides emotional support for individuals or families
PASTORAL CARE
- Supports the patient and family spiritually
- Supplements the care provided by the family’s clergy
TRAINED VOLUNTEERS
- Offers caregiver relief and emotional support
- Provides companionship for patients
- Helps with errands and transportation
BEREAVEMENT CARE
- Facilitates grief groups for the community
- Educates people about grief
- Conducts bereavement visits
How Much Does Hospice Care Cost?- Back to top
Hospice is generally covered under public and private insurance companies. This includes Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Benefits and requirements may vary. Hospice is provided to any person meeting the admission criteria regardless of their ability to pay.
How Can I volunteer or Give back? - Back to top
Volunteers are an integral part of Hospice. If you are interested in helping with various tasks listed below please call 785-263-6630.
- Patient Care (Including Respite care for family and caregivers)
- Clerical Office Assistants
- Fundraising
- Public Relations
Hospice depends greatly on the generosity of others and accepts donations. These donations are used to provide a compassionate and supportive service to others in their time of need.
