Hospice
Hospice provides specialized care for people with a limited life expectancy and their families, focusing on meeting their physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs. The goal of hospice is to help patients and family members live each day to the fullest and accept death as a natural part of life. Since the development of our hospice program more than 20 years ago, we have helped thousands of individuals and family members cope with the challenges of making the journey from life to death.
Hospice care is provided in portions of the VNA Plus service area in homes, in long-term care facilities, or in the John and Betty Charlier Hospice Center. Hospice care is available within the VNA Plus Indiana and Illinois geographic service area. The hospice team, which is on-call 24 hours a day, includes the medical director, the patient’s personal physician, physical, occupational and speech therapists, a dietitian, certified home care aides, medical social workers, a pharmacist, and spiritual care counselors to provide support and professional guidance in coping with serious illness, separation and death. Hospice volunteers also play an important role, visiting with patients, providing respite for the family, assisting with errands and other activities, and performing clerical duties.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit reimburses expenses for palliative treatment of a terminal condition and covers medications, medical equipment and services provided by professional staff and volunteers. Inpatient care at the Charlier Hospice Center may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance or private payment. VNA Plus staff assists families in evaluating insurance benefits and helps locate options for those without adequate financial resources.
Bereavement support is extended to family members and loved ones who must go on with their lives after the patient dies. This service is provided for 12 months following the death to help survivors adjust to their loss and learn new skills for living.