Hospice Services

Every person is different, but these signs often indicate that it’s time for hospice care:

• Frequent hospital visits or trips to the ER
• Weakness, frailty or extreme fatigue
• Lack of appetite and weight loss
• Loss of pleasure or interest in activities
• Terminal Diagnosis and a decision to not pursue aggressive care.

Your doctor may suggest hospice if they think that you may have six months or less to live. However, anyone can make a referral for hospice care. Even if you aren’t sure if you’re ready for hospice care, we may be able to connect you to other helpful programs.

Make a Hospice Referral

If you would like to hear more about how hospice can make a difference for you or someone you love, it all starts with a phone call. Having a discussion about hospice does not obligate you, it only educates you. To talk with a trained hospice professional call 1-800-924-0366

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Patients with a terminal illness do not usually have to pay for hospice care.

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Hospice care costs are covered by Medicare (through the Medicare Hospice Benefit), Mainecare and The Veteran’s Health Administration.

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<h3>Medicare and Medicaid</h3>
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<li>Currently, most hospice patients have their costs covered by Medicare, through the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Hospice is covered 100% under Medicare.</li>
<li>Maine Care also pays for hospice care in some situations.</li>
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<h3>Veterans’ Benefits</h3>
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<li>The Veteran’s Health Administration also covers hospice care.</li>
<li>The Veteran’s Health Administration provides benefits that are very similar to the Medicare Hospice Benefits.</li>
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<h3>Health Insurance</h3>
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<li>Many private insurance companies provide some coverage for hospice care.</li>
<li>Check with your insurer to determine whether hospice care is covered and under what circumstances.</li>
<li>Among private insurers, there are variations in qualifications and covered benefits.</li>
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Our highly skilled nursing staff will come frequently to check on you, monitor your medications and provide expert help for your family members or caregivers.  Our staff is educated and compassionate around end of life care and symptom management.

CHCS New Hope Hospice is fortunate to have Dr. Henry Atkins as our hospice medical director. Regional directors Dr. Lesley Fernow, Dr. Cindy Avery and Dr. Maryann Walsh bring years of experience and knowledge to the communities we serve. Hospice encourages patients to keep their Primary Care Physician (PCP) to continue to guide their care. Hospice medical directors are an additional resource for patients and providers.

Hospice Aides are skilled in helping the patient and caregiver with the personal care of the patient, such as personal grooming, some light housekeeping or meal preparation.  Aides provide a break for caregivers in the normal routine of personal care and they offer both physical and emotional support.  Personal care services are provided to patients on an intermittent basis and are always evaluated within the team for additional support needs.

Our social worker is a trained and skilled professional able to assist the patient and the family with a variety of tasks.  The social worker assists the family with financial, insurance and legal issues, and helps them understand the personal and social challenges of illness, disability, and the dying process.  The social worker arranges volunteer support and other services in the community which are available as resources.

Spiritual issues are an important part of the care for many patients and families receiving hospice care. Preferences are discussed with the patient and family members. We understand spirituality is individualized and regardless of faith you can find peace and comfort when it matters most.

A volunteer can provide a very special gift to a patient and family; the gift of time and the availability to listen. Volunteers do not provide physical care but are able to give the caregiver a short break and often become a valuable resource to the patient and family.

Imagine having your own personal massage therapist in the comfort of your home.  Massage Therapy can provide:

Physical Benefits

• Relieves muscle tension and stiffness
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches

Emotional Benefits

• Fosters peace of mind and sense of well being
• Promotes relaxation
• Helps relieve mental stress and anxiety
• Satisfies needs for caring, nurturing touch

Limited physical, occupational, and speech therapies are available through hospice to help a patient maintain comfort or quality of life.

A special recognition package, including an appreciation certificate, lapel pin, and quilt honors veterans for their service to our country. Every certificate is customized with the veteran’s name and branch of military service and presented by a military representative.