Focused on Your Comfort and Care
At Sanford Hospice, our end-of-life care focuses on uplifting every patient’s quality of life. We provide patients and their families with the physical, emotional and spiritual support they need through the next steps of life’s journey.
We offer care that focuses on each patient’s dignity and well-being. Our hospice and palliative care services include emotional support, counseling, pain relief, symptom management and more.
If you’re struggling with a life-threatening or terminal illness, find peace and comfort at home or at one of our facilities. Our specialists will help you achieve your best quality of life.
Hospice Services
Get compassionate care from specialists who will cater to your unique needs. You can get hospice care from your home, in assisted living facilities or at long-term care. Talk with your physician and family to decide where you’d like to receive care. Learn more from our FAQ section.
Sanford Health offers these services:
- Pain management from palliative care physicians
- Help with daily challenges
- Full-spectrum end-of-life care
- Respite care
- Bereavement and grief counseling for friends and family
- Pediatric hospice services
Our team includes nurses, religious care providers, pharmacists, trained volunteers and social workers. You’ll work with different specialists according to your needs and receive emotional, social and spiritual support from our specialists.
Ava’s House
Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offers 24/7 hospice care and support to patients and their families. The facility has 16 adult and four pediatric patient suites.
We offer palliative care services and unique therapeutic options in a home-like environment. Family and friends are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with patients. Each adult suite has an adjacent family room with a sleeper sofa where a loved one can spend the night free of charge.
Call (605) 404-4800 to schedule a tour today. Read more about Elijah’s story.
Learn More
FAQ
What is hospice care?
Hospice care focuses on the quality of life for people who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. This specialized care helps them live as fully and comfortably as possible in the last phases of an incurable disease or physical ailment.
A team of professionals works together to manage symptoms so that a person's last days may be spent with dignity. Hospice care is also family-centered – it includes the patient and the family in making decisions.
The hospice philosophy accepts death as the final stage of life. It affirms life but does not try to hasten or postpone death. Hospice care treats the person and symptoms of the disease, rather than treating the disease itself.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
While hospice provides physical and emotional support to people who are in the last phases of an incurable disease or physical ailment, palliative care provides that same support to patients with severe or chronic illnesses.
Palliative care is not just for end-of-life care. It focuses on treating the symptoms of a condition to provide pain relief and improve the patient’s quality of life. Patients at all stages of a chronic or difficult illness can benefit from palliative care.
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care can take place wherever a person lives, including:
- Home: Most hospice care is provided in a person’s home, whether that home is an individual residence, senior apartment or assisted living apartment. Research has shown that hospice care at home helps the entire family. Family members can feel involved in their loved one’s care and the person is surrounded by family and friends all while being supported by a hospice team.
- Inpatient hospice center: An inpatient center can provide people with hospice services when there is no caregiver at home, or if a person needs medical services that can't be done at home.
- Long-term care center: Many nursing homes and long-term care centers have hospice units with trained staff. These units are for people who don't have a caregiver at home or for people who may need medical services that can’t be provided at home.
Some hospitals also have a designated hospice unit. These units provide medical and emotional support to patients who need help with symptom management.
How do I pay for hospice care?
Hospice care is a benefit under Medicare Part A, South Dakota Medicaid and most private insurers. Sanford Hospice provides services regardless of your ability to pay. Find out how to apply for hospice care coverage through Medicare and Medicaid.
Is hospice care only for older adults?
Hospice care is for patients of all ages and can be provided in a variety of settings.
We provide comfort for children and families. Learn more about our pediatric hospice services.
Sanford Health News
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Classes & Events
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Understanding Me: Why I Do What I Do (Ages 0-3)
Tue 09/03/24 1:00 PM - Tue 09/03/24 3:00 PM
Webinar Aberdeen -
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Infant Massage
Tue 09/03/24 1:00 PM - Tue 09/03/24 2:00 PM
CHILD Services