What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is considered to be the model for compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury. It involves a team of professionals which provide expert medical care, and emotional as well as spiritual support tailored to improve the patient’s quality of life and meet the patient’s individual needs. Hospice care is the belief that each of our patients has the right to die pain-free and with dignity and that their families will receive the necessary support to do so.

Who Qualifies?
Anyone who has been diagnosed by a physician as have a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course qualifies for hospice care.

What is the difference between hospice care and palliative care?
Palliative care is symptom and pain management for a patient going through a serious illness or injury. The serious illness or injury does not have to be terminal. It also seeks to improve the quality of life and helps patients as well as their families cope with the stress and burden. Hospice care is a type of palliative care for patients who are likely to have six months or less to live.

Who pays for hospice?
Hospice care is paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, most private insurance plans and HMO’s.

Where is hospice care provided?
Most hospice care is provided in a patient’s home. It can also be provided in nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Inpatient care can be arranged as well.

What if my condition improves?
Occasionally, the quality of care provided by hospice and improved pain management can lead to improved health, thereby increasing life expectancy past the six month term. If this occurs, patients can transition from hospice care to home health care. Home health care services may be provided for as long as the patient remains eligible.

Is respite care available?
Yes. Short term respite care is available for when family caregivers need a rest from their caregiving responsibilities.

Can I change my mind after starting hospice care services?
Yes. Hospice services can be stopped by the patient at any time. If the patient wishes to go back on hospice Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies permit reactivation of the hospice benefit.

How and when can I call for information?
Traditional Home Health Care and Hospice is located at 113 West Drinker Street in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Our phone number is (570) 207-9286, toll free is (866) 472-9456. We serve Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, and Wayne counties. We also serve Wyoming County as far as Tunkhannock, Falls and Meshoppen, as well as Susquehanna County as far as Thompson and Montrose. We can be reached seven days a week, twenty four hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. Anyone can make a referral for hospice care; health care providers, social workers, clergy, family and friends.