Hospice
is a philosophy of care that focuses on the support
and care of people in the latter stages
of an incurable disease when a cure is no longer
a realistic goal.[read more]
The mission of
Harbor Grace Hospice is to provide
end of life care with dignity, grace and compassion
to the patients and families we serve. Serving Metro Atlanta and the following counties:
Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Newton, Paulding, Pike, Rockdale, Spalding and Upson
FAQs
How will I know when it’s
time for hospice care?
At any time during a life limiting illness, it is
appropriate to discuss all options, including hospice
care. By law, the decision belongs to the patient.
Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with
the idea of stopping aggressive efforts to cure
the disease. Your doctor, who will need to write
a physician order for hospice care, can be the best
person for these discussions. Our hospice team is
also available to you for any questions that may
arise during this process.
Will I “run out”
of hospice benefits in six months? No. We continue to provide the same care
for you as long as you remain hospice eligible.
You will never receive less service regardless of
how long you are under our care. Some people live
longer than originally expected once their pain
and symptoms are under control.
Do you have to be a certain age to be considered hospice appropriate? No. Unfortunately, terminal illnesses know no age. Pediatric palliative care aims
to enhance the quality of life of children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
It focuses on managing pain and symptoms in addition to current treatments, while offering
emotional and spiritual support for the child and family. Harbor Grace Hospice is the
only hospice providing Pediatric Hospice Services in all 20 counties that we serve.
Who pays for hospice?
A variety of options are available for patients
needing hospice care. These include Medicare, Medicaid
and many private insurances. If a patient does not
have coverage from any existing resources, we will
assist families in exploring coverage options for
them. Harbor Grace Hospice will not refuse care
based on an inability to pay.
Where can a person receive hospice
care? Harbor Grace Hospice provides hospice care in whatever setting a
patient calls home, whether that's a private residence, assisted living facility or nursing home. We also have our own 22-bed Inpatient Unit located in downtown Atlanta, where our professional staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to meet special care needs that cannot be effectively managed in a private home setting.
Does hospice provide 24 hour
care in the home? No. Inpatient care is 24 hour care, home care is not. The nurse and the Certified Nursing
Assistants make visits according to the patient’s
needs and the plan of care agreed upon by the hospice and
the patient, along with family and caregivers. The
hospice team cannot replace the need for a primary
caregiver in the home. We support the caregivers
in their role but are unable to be with the patient
at all times.
Does hospice care do anything to bring death sooner? No. Our goal is always to alleviate suffering
and to manage symptoms. Hospice does nothing to speed
up or slow down the dying process. Our role is to lend
support to the patient and their loved ones, while allowing
the disease process to naturally unfold as comfortably
as possible. Hospice is about fully living your final
days, weeks, months or years. We encourage patients to
do what they enjoy for as long as they are able.
How do I sign up?
The hospice team will be in communication with your
doctor to confirm that he/she is in agreement with
hospice care at this time. Then, we will schedule
for a nurse to meet with you at a time that is convenient for you and your family.
There are consent papers and insurance forms to
fill out with the nurse, who will do a head to toe
assessment. Medications will be reviewed and a patient
handbook will be left with you. All patients
and their families will have access to an on call
nurse to answer any questions or assist with any
problems you may be experiencing.
What happens when I die? A nurse will come to the home at the time of
death to fill out a “pronouncement”
form. This allows the funeral home to avoid having
to take you to the hospital. Our chaplains and social
workers are available to assist in funeral preparations
and may also participate in the funeral if desired.
Harbor Grace Hospice provides continuous contact
and support for caregivers for at least 13 months
following the death of a loved one.
