About Hospice Care

At Ascend Health, we believe hospice care is not about giving up, it’s about choosing compassionate support that honors the whole person.

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A Holistic and Individualized Approach to Hospice

Hospice care is specialized care for people with serious illnesses who are approaching the final stages of life. The focus is no longer on curing the illness but on maximizing comfort, minimizing pain, and supporting emotional and spiritual well-being for both the patient and their loved ones.

Hospice is typically recommended when a physician determines that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its natural course.

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The Four Levels of Hospice Care

Hospice care is not one-size-fits-all. The Medicare hospice benefit defines four levels of care to meet patients where they are physically, emotionally, and medically. At Ascend Health, we assess each patient’s needs regularly and adjust the level of care to ensure comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

Routine Hospice Home Care

The most common level of hospice includes regular visits from the hospice team at the patient’s residence, whether that’s at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing facility.

Continuous Hospice Home Care

Provided during a crisis, this level offers short-term, around-the-clock nursing care at home for patients with severe pain or uncontrolled symptoms.

Inpatient Hospice Care

When symptoms can’t be managed at home, patients may receive 24-hour care in an inpatient hospice unit or hospital until they are stable.

Respite Care

Hospice provides short-term care in a facility for up to five days so family caregivers can rest or attend to other needs.

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Hospice Care Services at Ascend Health

Ascend Hospice ensures that your care is a coordinated by a highly trained team of healthcare professionals and volunteers who work together to ensure that you receive compassionate and individualized hospice care. Each team member plays an important role, and our clinical care is focused on pain and symptom management for maximum quality of life.

Hospice Services
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Where Can Hospice Care Be Provided?

At Ascend Health, we provide hospice services in a variety of settings based on each person’s needs and preferences.

Hospice Care at Home

Most patients receive hospice care in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by loved ones and familiar routines. The hospice team visits regularly to provide care, deliver medications and supplies, and support the family.

Assisted Living Homes

Patients living in residential facilities can continue to receive hospice services there, with coordination between facility staff and the hospice team.

Hospice Care at Nursing Homes

Hospice can work alongside the nursing home staff to provide additional support focused on symptom management, comfort, and family communication.

Hospitals or Inpatient Hospice Facilities

If a patient’s symptoms cannot be managed at home, short-term inpatient care may be provided in a hospital or hospice facility until stability is restored.

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In-Home Hospice

More than ever, patients and families are choosing hospice care at home, allowing their loved ones to spend their final days in familiar, comfortable surroundings. Our Ascend Hospice team works closely with family caregivers to ensure they feel supported, educated, and empowered throughout the process.

  • Regular visits from hospice nurses and other members of your care team
  • Medical equipment and supplies delivered directly to your home
  • Medication management for pain and symptom relief
    Emotional and spiritual support tailored to patient and family needs

 

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Understanding Insurance for Hospice

Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans typically provide full coverage for eligible patients. At Ascend Health, we guide families through the benefits and billing process to ensure there are no surprises.

About Hospice Insurance

Get Started with Hospice Care at Ascend Health

Hospice care is about more than managing symptoms — it’s about helping people live with comfort, dignity, and peace. It’s also about surrounding families with knowledge, guidance, and emotional support through one of life’s most meaningful transitions. At Ascend Health, we’re here to walk beside you, with care that’s rooted in empathy and guided by expertise. Whether you’re ready to begin hospice or just starting to ask questions, we’re here to help.

Start With Hospice Care