Hospice is a special way of caring for someone with a limited life expectancy, when the prognosis is discussed in terms of months rather than years. Hospice affirms life and neither hastens nor prolongs the dying process. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life by keeping the patient comfortable and pain-free.
St. Vincent Hospice services are focused on the entire family. Our concern is not only for a family's physical welfare but also its emotional and spiritual well being. St. Vincent hospice care is provided by certified hospice and palliative care physicians who assist patients with pain relief and other symptoms. They provide spiritual, emotional, social, and physical assistance, as well as connections to bereavement groups.
Hospice is a concept of care, not a place of care. Therefore, patients can receive care wherever they call home. This may include a personal residence, nursing facility, assisted living residence, or a hospital setting. If pain or symptoms cannot be controlled at home, the patient has the opportunity to be evaluated for our inpatient level of care.