Hospice

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.

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.

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.

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.

Read more about payment options.

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.