Hospice is not a place of treatment, but a concept of care that is recognized as the model of qualified, compassionate health care delivery for people facing life-limiting illnesses.
Hospice care utilizes an interdisciplinary team of health care professionals and trained volunteers to address symptom control, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support, expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes.
Support, caregiver training and grief counseling are available for the patient’s family and loved ones, and bereavement services are available for up to a year following the death of a patient. While most hospice services are provided in the home, care is also available in most skilled nursing facilities and residential care settings.
Hospice allows an illness to follow its natural course. The focus is on caring, not curing. At the center of hospice is the belief that each of us should be able to die with dignity and without experiencing pain, and that our families should receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.
While many insurance companies require that a terminally ill patient have a prognosis of six months or less, there is not a six-month limit to Gunnison Valley hospice care services. A patient in the final phase of life may receive hospice care for as long as necessary when a physician certifies that he or she continues to meet eligibility requirements.
Hospice services are covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs and managed care organizations.
In general, coverage includes:
- Physician services.
- Nursing care.
- Social work services.
- Medical appliances and supplies as appropriate.
- Drugs for symptom management and pain relief.
- Short-term inpatient and respite care.
- Homemaker services and home health aide.
- Grief and bereavement services.
Contracted Services
Gunnison Valley Hospital’s contracted services are designed for patients requiring help to remain safely at home, but who do not meet the criteria for other home care programs and whose care is generally self-paid or funded by a donation. The program is negotiated on an individual basis to meet the greatest needs of the recipient and may include:
- Skilled nursing.
- Personal care assistance.
- Medication management.
- Homemaking services.
- Respite care.
There are several contracted programs available to assist with payment for these services. Please call us at 435-528-3955 to determine the best possible program for your needs.
Testimonials
What others have to say about Gunnison Valley Home Care Services:
“Thank you so much for all you did for us. You were so great. The world needs more people as special as you. Your laughter and your smiles brighten our day. Thank you for all of your wonderful ways!”
“Many thanks to you for sending me the monthly newsletter Journeys for the past year. The articles helped me in my grieving. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and care.”
“Words are inadequate to express one’s feelings about the gentle and loving care you gave our dear mother! May you be blessed for your compassionate and professional service. Please know how much we love and appreciate you.”
“I want everyone with Hospice and Home Health to know just how important you have been to us. I do care so much about everyone there. Thank you for being so kind and caring to both of us. Gunnison would just be a place I live; instead it is a home I love. God bless all of you!”
“I do not have the words to adequately express how grateful I feel for your wonderful service. It is the work of angels that you do, so lovingly. Please know of our love and appreciation.”