Hospice Care
Comfort for the Terminally Ill
When it comes time for the final stages of life, we all deserve to live each moment with respect and dignity. And 9 out of every 10 adults diagnosed with a terminal illness prefer to be cared for at home, rather than in a hospital or nursing home. At MetroWest HomeCare & Hospice, our mission is to support individuals in their own home, or in an environment of their choosing, surrounded by the people and things they love. We feel privileged to assist with this stage of life’s journey.
Comprehensive, Compassionate Hospice Care
Hospice care is a chance to provide palliative and compassionate care in the final stages of a life-limiting or terminal illness. At MetroWest, we believe in emphasizing the quality of life, rather than the remaining length of life, and we neither hasten nor postpone death. We affirm life and regard dying as a natural process. We focus on providing a holistic approach to treating the needs of the patient, their families and caregivers.
A Team of Trained, Caring Professionals
The Hospice Team at MetroWest provides care and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and consists of all the people needed to help make this time as comfortable as possible, including:
- Chaplains
- Home Health Aides
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Social workers
- Volunteers
Our entire team is dedicated to providing the medical care and support that both patients and their caregivers need during this time. We’ll work with the patient and anyone he or she wishes to include on a care plan that includes pain and symptom management, assistive medical equipment and any other elements required to keep the patient safe and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Pays for Hospice?
MetroWest Hospice accepts Medicare, MassHealth and any private insurance with a hospice benefit. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for patients and families for any medical equipment such as oxygen, hospital beds or wheelchairs, or for medications used to relieve symptoms related to a patient’s hospice diagnosis. In addition, all staff-related costs are fully covered, as well.
Who Qualifies for Hospice?
- Someone diagnosed with a terminal or life-limiting illness
- Someone with a life expectancy of six months or less, should his or her illness run its course (Many patients receive hospice care for a longer period of time)
- Someone who is no longer seeking curative treatments for his or her illness
How Do I Discuss End-of-Life Care?
The Institute of Medicine (IoM) has created a public service announcement and website describing when and how to start the conversation about end-of-life care with friends, family and care providers. Here you’ll find considerable resources for having a conversation about end-of-life values, goals and preferences.
Learn More
If you’re interested in learning about hospice care for your loved one, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Please give us a call at (508) 383-7000.