GRMC Hospice
What is GRMC Hospice?
Hospice is a special kind of care which addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice care is provided by a team of professionals and volunteers trained in the specialized area of symptom control in terminal care. Hospice care is provided primarily in the home to promote the best quality of life for the patient and family.
Who Qualifies for GRMC Hospice Care? Persons with a shortened life expectancy due to a terminal illness. These patients must reside in the GRMC Hospice service area. The patient's physician must be willing to sign a certification of limited life expectancy and must agree that Hospice care is appropriate. The patient and family must have been informed of the expected outcome of the illness. The patient, family and physician understand that Hospice promotes comfort, not curative efforts. How Can Someone Begin GRMC Hospice Care? The patient and family may discuss Hospice care with primary physician who then makes a referral to GRMC Hospice. Another option is to contact GRMC Hospice and the staff will approach the primary physician for approval.
Who Is On The Hospice Team?
- The Patient
- The Patient's Primary Physician
- The Hospice Medical Director
- Registered Nurses
- Home Health Aides
- The Patient's Pastor
- The Hospice Chaplain/Bereavement Coordinator
- The Coordinator of Volunteers
- Lay Volunteers
- Medical Social Workers
- The Administrative Staff
What Does GRMC Hospice Provide?
- Routine nursing visitation for assessment, once or twice a week, increasing as the patient's condition warrants.
- Nursing on call 24 hours a day.
- Home Health Aide service available for personal care.
- Hospice social services available for assistance and counseling.
- Chaplain for spiritual counseling.
- Bereavement support and counseling.
- Nutritional guidance and support.
- Volunteer support.
- Speech, physical, and occupational therapies.
- Based on patient insurance, some medications and medical equipment may be covered and provided.
- Emotional and spiritual support to assist patient and family in coping with changes that occur in the patient's condition and their effect on the family environment.
- Hospice pain and symptom management to maintain comfort and enhance quality of life.
What Are My Rights As A GRMC Hospice Patient?
Hospice patients have the right to be an active member of the Hospice team and make informed decisions regarding Hospice services, care and treatment, doctor's visits, hospitalization, travel, vacations. Patients are free to discharge Hospice if not satisfied with the services.
Who Pays For Hospice Care?
Medicare, Medicaid and some private insurances pay for Hospice care. Patients are admitted to GRMC without regard to race, national/ethic origin, sex, religion, age or disability.
Hospice care is provided in various settings, determined by the patient's condition and insurance coverage. Contact Hospice for more information about:
- Respite Care
- Continuous Care
- General Hospice Inpatient Care
- Routine In Home Care
GRMC Hospice is certified by Medicare and Medicaid and is a member of both Alabama Hospice Organization and National Hospice Organization.
GRMC Hospice is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.
"When we cannot cure,
comfort always."