Hospice

About Hospice

Hospice is about life! Living each day to its fullest - even in the face of a life limiting illness or accident. Hospice is a compassionate, patient-centered approach to medical care and support for patients and families facing end-of-life issues. It is a philosophy of care rather than a place. It’s meeting a patient wherever they call home- be it in their family home, long-term care facility, assisted living facility or in a hospital setting. Our mission here at Mid-Michigan is to empower patients and family by maintaining dignity, optimizing quality of life and by providing the physical, emotional and spiritual care required to live comfortably. Our ongoing support is provided to patients and their loved ones for as long as it is needed. 

We believe that hospice care should be available to any and all qualifying persons. Currently however, only 1 in 3 people eligible for hospice services receive it - even though these services are fully covered by medicare, medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. Insurances we accept include Blue Cross Blue Shield, HAP, Blue Care Network Advantage, Humana, Medicare and Medicare + Advantage. These services include medical supplies, equipment related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis and all medications. Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to provide care to all persons regardless of their ability to pay. 

Our Hospice Care Team

Family Physician- The family physician is responsible for approving and overseeing the patient’s plan of care.

Registered Nurse- The hospice RN serves as the patient’s case manager. The nurse is responsible for the patient’s physical comfort and making recommendations to the family physician regarding pain and symptom management.

Social Worker- The hospice Social Worker is responsible for the overall support of the patient and family. They can assist with financial planning and advance directives as well as emotional support and counseling.

Therapists- Massage and Music therapists will be utilized as needed to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Volunteers- The volunteers provide companionship, emotional support and offer help in many different ways. 

Hospice Medical Director- The Hospice Medical Director is a physician who specializes in hospice and palliative care. They may also serve as the patient’s family physician if needed.

Certified Nursing Assistant- The CNA, working under the supervision of the hospice RN, is responsible for providing assistance with the patient’s personal care.

Dietician- The hospice Dietitian will be consulted as needed to improve the patient’s nutritional status.

Hospice Chaplain- The hospice Chaplain is responsible for providing spiritual support to all patients and family members requesting such support.

Grief Support- Lifetime Comprehensive Bereavement Services are offered to family members as well as community members dealing with loss.