Hospice is available for at least the last six months of life, yet many people begin receiving care only in the last few weeks or even days.
Why Choose Hospice Care Sooner?
Choosing hospice sooner gives families more time to understand their options, receive the full range of support hospice offers, and spend meaningful time together. Talking to your doctor and family about hospice before you need it allows for more opportunity to benefit through treatment that can:
- Reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits
- Clarify and achieve end-of-life goals
- Support emotional, spiritual and practical needs
- Manage pain and other symptoms with fewer side effects
- Process grief and prepare for what's ahead
These benefits lead to a better quality of life — for you and your loved ones. To learn more about your options and eligibility, call 802-860-4410 or talk with your doctor, nurse or trusted care provider.
“Knowing someone understands what we are going through and what we need, with minimal explanation, is a comfort.”
What Hospice Includes
Hospice care supports you and your loved ones — body, mind and spirit. Your care team provides personalized care in your home, covered by Medicare and other healthcare insurance plans.
- Regular home visits from a dedicated care team
- 24/7 on-call medical support and in-home nursing visits
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional, psychosocial and spiritual support
- Delivery of medication, equipment and supplies, like hospital beds, shower chairs and oxygen
- Training and support for family caregivers
- Grief and bereavement counseling
- Access to the McClure Miller Respite House — Vermont’s only Medicare-certified hospice residence
When Is the Right Time for Hospice?
Call us for an eligibility conversation at 802-860-4410 or talk with your medical provider, social worker or nurse.
Start the Conversation About Hospice While You’re Well
Talking about your end-of-life wishes now gives your loved ones peace of mind later. Advance care directives let you:
- Choose someone to ensure your wishes are honored.
- Clearly outline your treatment goals and priorities.
Questions to Consider:
What are your hopes and fears for the future? What matters most to you if your doctors tell you that you are seriously ill or dying?
Resources to Help You Begin:
- Talk to your doctor about advance care planning and treatment options, including hospice.
- Call us anytime day or night at 802-860-4410 — we’re here to support you.
- Visit Vermont Ethics Network for guidance on advance care directives.
'It's about living every moment of your life.'
When Lincoln received a terminal diagnosis, he and his wife, Vicky, began receiving care and support services from Home Health & Hospice.
Hospice Care Myths
Reality:
- Hospice is a treatment plan focused on comfort, dignity and living fully in the time that remains. It’s covered by Medicare and other insurance plans.
Reality:
- Hospice typically happens at home or in a community setting. You don’t need to go anywhere to receive hospice care.
Reality:
- Hospice provides expert symptom management, including medications, equipment and supplies, culturally sensitive healing practices, and physical, emotional and spiritual support.
Reality:
- Palliative care can help relieve symptoms and stress at any stage of a serious illness. Hospice care is a type of palliative care for those nearing the end of life.
