Hospice Care
Loving Care and Compassion
VNA Hospice is a shared approach to end-of-life care, led by the choices made by the patient, his or her family and the patient's physician. We listen to the unique needs, hopes, and challenges in every life with proactive, comprehensive and compassionate care.
We provide extraordinary care, support and comfort to patients and families as they face the end of life. Our goal is to help you live life fully for as long as possible.
We empower caregivers to offer confident support of the patient's care plan.
We focus on living each day to the fullest.
Our team addresses physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs that are part of the end of life process, last days and months of life, and that follow in bereavement.
- The patient's physician continues to oversee medical care, with the assistance of our Hospice Medical Director. In the event that you do not have a primary care physician, our Hospice Medical Director is able to provide medical care for you.
- A primary nurse manages pain and symptom control and coordinates care with our interdisciplinary team.
- Social workers, home health aides, spiritual and bereavement counselors, and volunteers provide valuable support, respite care and other assistance, responding to the specific needs of each patient and family, as members of the team come to know them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it time to consider hospice?
Knowing when to ask about hospice is sometimes difficult for patients, families and even physicians. When you or a loved one has a disease that cannot be cured, then the time is right to ask. Even if you do not need or qualify for hospice at this time, it is good to learn more about hospice and ask questions about what to expect from hospice services. It is best for family members to share their wishes long before it becomes a concern. This can greatly reduce stress when the time for hospice is needed. By having these discussions in advance, patients are not forced into uncomfortable situations. Instead, patients can make an educated decision that includes the advice and input of family members and loved ones.
Where does hospice care take place?
Hospice is provided in your home, wherever you live. We provide care in assisted living and nursing homes as well as private homes. We provide care in group homes, and in the homes of family and friends. Sometimes a patient’s hospice care needs can be better met in the hospital or hospice house. We work with you in assessing the best place for you/your loved one. Our team will assist in relocating a patient into a facility. For a small number of our patients, we provide care in the hospital.
How is hospice care paid for?
We accept Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans. Coverage depends on your specific situation, call us to discuss it at 603-622-3781. We also accept direct payment for patients who are not covered by insurance.
What is spiritual care?
Spiritual care creates a space that honors a person’s belief system about themselves, their living and dying, and their relationships with the Divine, their family, friends, community, and nature…all the things that have sustained them in earlier life. While everyone on the hospice team supports persons in their spiritual selves, Chaplains on the team are specially trained to assess for spiritual distress and spiritual coping. This assessment helps in providing care that speaks to the whole person and that helps build a framework of support and dignity for those who are dying, and that honors the wishes of those who are dying and their families. While spiritual care is not religious care, Chaplains are able to assist persons in connecting to their religious community for additional support that helps in coping with end of life.
If you would like more information about Spiritual Care, or to arrange for a visit, please contact the hospice program at the VNA of Manchester & Southern NH Hospice 603-622-3781.