- Hospice Care
Learn About Our Compassionate Hospice Services
Bluebird Health was created by seasoned hospice professionals who are committed to providing care that exceeds expectations. We seek to support the integrity and dignity of all people, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Hospice Staff
Compassionate & Professional Hospice Care
At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity. We, at Bluebird Hospice, also believe that our families deserve to receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. Hospice is not a specific place but a philosophy of care for a terminally ill person that has received a prognosis of six months or less. Care is provided in your home, wherever you reside. This may be in a nursing home, assisted living center, hospital, or wherever the patient considers “home.” Wherever services are provided, Bluebird Hospice treats all patients the same and will focus on pain and symptom management.
We have a team of professionals who are passionately committed to provide adults and seniors with short-term skilled nursing, rehabilitative, and therapeutic services.
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
- Physical Therapists (PTs)
- Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs)
- Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs)
- Occupational Therapists (OTs)
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs)
- Speech Therapists (STs)
- Medical Social Workers (MSW)
- Chaplain
- Volunteer
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Years Of Experience
Services Provided
- Roadmap To Hospice Care
A Personalized Plan That Works For You
Each person who works for Bluebird Health provides important and necessary skills that help promote your well-being. Our team of quality nurses, aides, therapists, and allied healthcare professionals, all serve a vital role on our team. As we work together with your physician, our strategy is to develop a plan of care that will maximize your independence and quality of life. Each plan is unique and each patient’s success is measured and celebrated.
Teamwork Means Success
We also know it takes a team to be successful. Each member of the team shares responsibility and contributes to the treatment plan to assure the highest quality of services are delivered with compassion and respect.
- Plan Of Action
When Is It Time For Hospice?
Although there are clear criteria for who qualifies for hospice care, the decision to use the hospice benefit is highly personal. Typically, hospice is chosen when a person with a life-limiting illness chooses to forgo curative treatments and instead decides on comfort measures. If caring for a loved one, other indications a person may benefit from hospice services may be:
- More Services
Learn About Additional Services We Offer
Looking for something different? Click below to learn more about our other life-changing services.
Home Health
Home Health focuses on recovery and rehabilitation. Home Health refers to a wide range of medical services provided at a patient's home to help them recover from an illness, surgery, or manage chronic conditions.
Provider Services
Provider Services bring personalized, professional healthcare directly to your doorstep. We create customized primary care plans that cater to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring comprehensive care within the comfort of your home.
Transitional Care
Our Transitional Care team bridges levels of care, ensuring your needs are met through all Bluebird services. Nurse Navigators coordinate with hospitals, health plans, and other providers to deliver seamless, patient-centered care.
Bereavement
Our non-denominational bereavement service is designed to provide compassionate support and solace to both individuals and families as they navigate the challenging path of grief.
Home Care
(provided through our partners, At Ease Home Care)
Individuals who need assistance with daily tasks, those recovering from surgeries or illnesses, seniors who wish to age in place, and even people who need companionship can benefit from home care.
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Hospice Care
What is Hospice? Is Hospice care just for cancer patients? How do you pay for Hospice? Find the answers to your questions here.
What is Hospice?
Hospice care focuses on the comfort and quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses, rather than curative treatments.
How Does Hospice Care Work?
Typically, a family member or friend serves as the primary caregiver and, when appropriate, helps make decisions for the terminally ill individual. Members of the hospice staff make regular visits to assess your symptoms and provide additional care or other services. Hospice does not provide 24-hour hands-on care. Our care team can help find paid caregiver services and provide resources to help you coordinate caregiving. The hospice team develops a care plan that meets your individual needs for pain management and symptom control. Each team member will provide care within their scope of practice.
Who is eligible for Hospice?
Patients diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, if the illness runs its expected course, may qualify.
Where is Hospice care provided?
Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including a patient’s home, a hospice facility, hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities.
Is Hospice just for cancer patients?
No, Hospice is for anyone with a life-limiting illness, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, lung disease, and many others.
Who pays for Hospice?
Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations. We don’t believe that cost should ever be a barrier to receiving needed hospice services and will work with any patient to provide the care they need.
What services are provided in Hospice?
- Emotional, psycho-social, and spiritual support with aspects of dying
- Pain and symptom management
- Pharmacy, equipment, and medical supplies
- Alternative Therapies, such as:
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Massage Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Pet Therapy
How does Hospice manage pain and other symptoms?
Hospice professionals are skilled in managing pain and symptoms with medications, therapies, and other methods.
Can a patient keep their personal physician while in Hospice?
Yes, many Hospice programs encourage patients to maintain their relationship with their personal physicians.
What happens if a patient lives longer than six months while on Hospice?
If the patient’s condition stabilizes or improves, they might be discharged from Hospice. However, if they continue to decline, the eligibility can be re-evaluated and extended.
How is Hospice different from Palliative care?
While both focus on comfort and symptom relief, Palliative care can be pursued at any stage of an illness, while Hospice is typically reserved for the final months of life.
Can treatments be continued while on Hospice?
Hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life. Curative treatments might be stopped, but some treatments that provide comfort can continue.
Does choosing Hospice mean giving up hope?
No, it means prioritizing comfort and quality of life over aggressive treatments. Many families find that Hospice allows them to enjoy their remaining time with loved ones more fully.
Will I lose my doctor?
The short answer is no. The longer answer is that we have our own Medical Director who manages your overall care. However, if you would like your Primary Care Physician to remain involved as your attending physician, we will collaborate with their staff.
Can someone leave Hospice care?
Yes, patients can leave hospice care and return to curative treatments if they wish or if their condition improves.
What if I decide to discontinue services?
You can choose to discontinue services at any time, for any reason.
How does one start the process of getting into Hospice?
Typically, a referral from a physician is needed, followed by an assessment from the Hospice Team.
What role do families play in Hospice?
Families are an integral part of the Hospice experience. They are involved in making decisions, providing care, and are also offered support and counseling.