Avera Hospice Care
It is not easy to talk about the end of life, even with family members and friends. But people are responsible for communicating to others the kind of care they want at the end of life so that their wishes are honored should they face terminal illness. Early discussions about hospice and other end-of-life decisions can ease a very difficult time and provide patients a choice and a sense of control.
Avera Hospice Care believes that the end of life can be a time of enrichment, resolution and love. When life nears its end and for those who grieve, Avera Hospice Care provides support for terminally ill patients and their caregivers. Avera Hospice Care eases the fears associated with pain, being alone and making end-of-life choices, and enhances quality of life by supporting the whole person — mind, body and spirit.
Dedicated Team
Avera Hospice Care includes an inter-disciplinary team that comes together to provide comprehensive end-of-life care for patients and their families. The team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, home health aides, homemakers, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists and volunteers. Team members help acquire home medical equipment, respite care, bereavement support, grief counseling and holistic care. They also can assist with the completion of advance directives.
Avera Hospice Care
- Helps the patient and his or her family find meaning and fulfillment at the end of life
- Helps the patient reside at home for as long as possible
- Supports the patient’s family or caregivers in providing a peaceful, secure and comfortable environment
- Manages pain and controls symptoms
- Educates about hospice
- Supplements existing services
- Addresses emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and the whole family
- Focuses on quality of life and comfort, and not on life-prolonging interventions
Avera Hospice Care provides thorough and accurate assessment of patients’ needs including a written plan of care, individualized with input from patients, families and caregivers. Hospice care honors patients’ beliefs and philosophies, prepares for death and addresses loss and grief.
Eligibility
People suffering from cancer, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, emphysema, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and a number of other terminal or chronic diseases can benefit from hospice care. Patients are eligible for hospice care if they have a limited life expectancy and a doctor’s authorization.
Some situations in which hospice care might be considered or indicated include:
- Progressive decline in a chronic or acute illness
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Repeat infections
- Uncontrolled pain
- Progressive weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Alterations in mental status
- Weight loss
Hospice care is available in many settings, including hospitals, long-term care centers, assisted living centers, hospice centers and homes.
Coverage
Medicare, Medicaid and many private-pay insurances may cover the following services:
- Hospice staff visits
- Prescription drugs for symptom control and pain management
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Physical, occupational and speech therapy
- Five-day respite care
- Hospital care when symptoms are not manageable at home
- 13 months of bereavement support
The Support of Hospice
Serious illness brings concerns about personal loss, both for the patient and their loved ones. Avera Hospice Care offers encouragement through spiritual counseling and grief and loss support. This assistance is available during and after the hospice experience.
Volunteers
Avera Hospice Care volunteers are trained and supervised to help patients and their families and are an important part of the care offered to patients. Volunteers do not provide nursing or personal care, but assist patients and families through providing activities, assisting with correspondence, preparing meals and being present for the patients when family members work or run errands.
Avera Hospice Care: You Can Help Others
Avera Hospice Programs have funds established for gifts donated in honor or in memory of loved ones. We are thankful to the communities we serve for the generous support these gifts provide. Help others through a donation to Avera Hospice Care.
