What is Hospice?

What is Hospice?

For Patients and Families

When medical science has done all it can and the search for a cure gives way to the need for comfort, hospice offers families a place to turn for help and hope.

Hospice is a medically directed, nurse coordinated program of care serving terminally ill patients and their families, wherever they reside. 

All Medicare and Medicaid certified hospices are required to provide four levels of care, depending on the needs of individual patients:
  • Home Care: This is the most common level of care. Patients are cared for in their homes, whether it be a private residence or nursing home.
  • In-patient Level of Care: Used for short periods of time to control symptoms of pain/discomfort that CANNOT be managed at home. The IPU length of stay is generally 2-7 days and the patient is discharged to home once symptoms have been controlled.
  • Continuous Care: In times of medical crisis, when IPU is not an option, many families feel overwhelmed and need additional support. The Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), in consultation with the patient and family, will decide if Continuous Care (a hospice team member will be present at least 8 hours/day) is the optimal way of meeting the Patient and family needs. Continuous Care is generally limited to 1-5 days.
  • Respite Care: This level of care is used when a patient, being cared for at home by family members is unable to be left alone for an extended period of time and the family needs “respite”, usually to attend an out of town wedding or special occasion. There are times it is used to just offer families’ a bit of “respite.” This level of care is limited to no more than 5 days in a Benefit Period. 
Hospice provides patients the physical and emotional support they need, when they need it most. With an interdisciplinary team available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, hospice is there.
 
Whether our patients live at home or in a facility, the Hospice of New York team strives to manage patient’s symptoms and ensure comfort.
 
Hospice lessens the burdens for patients and families. When treatment is no longer an option, we hope you will consider Hospice of New York as your hospice provider. 

If you have any questions or we can be of assistance in any way, please contact Hospice of New York to speak with one of our referral counselors. All information will remain confidential.

The Hospice Promise

Hospice of New York promises to comfort always. Hospice promises comfort, care, compassion, and counseling when it’s needed, wherever the patient/family chooses: at home, a long-term care facility, or in an assisted living community.

Hospice promises to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families, with a deep respect for their wishes, preferences and beliefs. 

As universal as death is, dying is a very individual, personal and unique experience for patients and their families. HONY respects the different cultural customs and practices, as well as religious and spiritual beliefs We understand that this very special time is as different as the individuals we serve. 

Hospice Philosophy and Goals

Hospice philosophy respects the rights of patient and family:
  • The right to enjoy the highest quality of life.
  • The right to die with dignity.
  • The right to actively participate in the management of care.
  • The right to have their needs identified, communicated and addressed.
Hospice strives to achieve excellence in its set objectives:
  • Relief of pain, whether physical, spiritual, social or psychological.
  • Ongoing emotional support of patients and family.
  • Assisting the family/caregiver during the grieving process, for up to 13 months after the death of their loved one.

For Physicians

Hospice serves as an extension of your practice, providing your patients and families the physical and emotional support they need, when they need it most. With skilled nurses,social workers, counselors and hospice physicians available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, hospice provides a valuable support structure to complement your care.

By referring your terminally ill patients to hospice, you are offering additional resources designed to help optimize their time with loved ones.


What You Can Count on from Hospice


Designs and delivers programs that serve as an extension of your practice.


Keeps you and your staff fully informed about your patients receiving hospice care.


Serves your patients and their families regardless of their ability to pay for our services.


Provides care, employs staff and offers volunteer opportunities regardless of race, religion, creed, color, gender, national origin, disability, age, diagnosis or sexual orientation.


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