Nobody does it better
Family considers hospice care.

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“My father’s pain was relieved within hours of the first visit—your team helped us all cope with the matters at hand.”

~ S. Wood

*** Nurses reviewing patient information.
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Hospice Care

Why choose Delaware Hospice?

As the largest community-based hospice provider in the state, Delaware Hospice focuses on meeting the needs of each local community. We are committed to giving you more choices about your care and to doing what’s best for each individual, without compromise.

Ninety-eight percent (98%) of the families we have served say they would recommend our services to someone they know. Our families tell us, “We’re so glad we called you.” We credit this positive, consistent response to our team-approach, which is always guided by your wishes and choices. We put your needs first.

Delaware Hospice is the only local hospice accredited by Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Accreditation for hospice organizations is voluntary, but we believe so strongly in providing the highest quality of care and service to our patients, we have chosen to meet the rigorous standards of the Joint Commission.

How does Delaware Hospice provide comfort?

We know that illness never takes a holiday. Our care team stands ready to respond around the clock, so you can quickly receive our help and care. An experienced nurse is always available for a consultation or visit.

Your care starts with your physician. More physicians recommend Delaware Hospice than any other hospice organization in the state. Ask your doctor about Delaware Hospice.

Your physician works with us and stays involved with you. The Delaware Hospice medical director, who is also a physician, consults with your physician and oversees the entire plan of care.

Nurses concentrate on the relief of your symptoms and teach your family how to care for you. Our certified nursing assistants help with bathing, dressing, changing linens, or any other personal needs. Social workers offer emotional support, guidance with decisions, and help with dealing with any financial concerns. Chaplains are here for you when you want spiritual counseling or prayer.

Hundreds of volunteers demonstrate the passion that our community feels for hospice care. They give freely of their time to help you with everyday activities or to just sit and listen.

Who is on the Delaware Hospice care team?

A care team staff of professionals provides palliative (comfort) care along with emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. Patients are kept comfortable and their personal needs are cared for. Decisions and desires of patients and families are honored and respected. We are committed to responding to requests for services, and to assess and control pain within hours. Every person on the Delaware Hospice care team is there to help the patient and family with support. This team includes:

Where are patients cared for?

Patients receive care in the home, nursing home, assisted living facility, hospital, or wherever it is needed with the help of the caregiver, family and friends. If hospitalization becomes necessary, Delaware Hospice continues to provide services in the hospital.

Does it offend the nursing home staff if a family member refers their loved one to Delaware Hospice?

No. We partner with healthcare professionals at nursing homes to provide the best comfort and quality care possible.

If I refer my family member to Delaware Hospice, does it mean he/she will die within 24-48 hours?

No. Some patients may be in our program for weeks, months, or years depending on the situation. The sooner you call, the faster we can help the entire family.

Do I have to tell or inform the patient that you are from Delaware Hospice, I prefer they don’t know we are discussing end-of-life options?

No. The Delaware Hospice professional can meet with you whenever and wherever you prefer, at your home, coffee shop, or our office. Our goal is to make everyone comfortable; the visit is per your wishes.

Will medication prevent a patient’s ability to be aware of the world around them?

Usually not. It is the goal of Delaware Hospice to enable the patient to be as pain free and alert as possible. Frequent visits and consulting with the patient and family members have been very successful in reaching this goal.

Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?

Yes. If the patient condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, the patient can choose to leave hospice care and return to aggressive therapy. If the patient later returns to hospice care, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.

How is the family supported?

What we can do for you and your family doesn’t begin, or end with hospice care. We can walk with you along different paths.

In the months following hospice care, families continue to experience pain and loss and the need to grieve. That’s why Delaware Hospice offers adult grief and loss counseling. We provide education and support, either one-to-one or in groups, that can continue for up to 13 months, or as long as needed. We also provide grief counseling for Children and grandchildren of our patients in the New Hope program a nationally recognized program where counselors assist children and adolescents ages 6-17 with the many emotions associated with the loss of a loved one.

We offer a Transitions Program, a non-medical program, that offers support through regular contact, companionship, assistance with shopping, and running errands.

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