Hospice is a way of caring that brings comfort to persons living with a terminal illness, and gives support to them as well as to their families. Hospice neither hastens nor postpones death, but affirms life, emphasizing quality, not length. Patients live their final days with peace and dignity, either in the comfort of their own home, long term care facility, or the VNA Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton Hospice Center. 

Hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team consisting of the patient and family, the patient’s physician, the VNA Hospice medical director, nurses, Hospice social workers, home health aides, the patient's clergy or VNA Hospice clergy, therapists, and specially trained Hospice volunteers.  

The team provides pain management and symptom control, along with psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support. The Hospice team respects the patient and family unit’s right to make decisions about his or her own care.

The goal of Hospice is to enable terminally ill patients to live life as fully as possible with a spirit of hope and a sense of personal satisfaction and worth.

Hospice Services

All Hospice patients receive a combination of services and support provided by the Hospice team:  

• Scheduled visits by the interdisciplinary Hospice team members.

• Pain management and symptom control.

• Instruction, consultation and support for the family.

• Direction of care by the patient's physician.

• 24 hour, 7 day a week on-call availability of a Registered Nurse to answer questions, discuss concerns and visit patients when needed.

• Companionship and support provided by volunteers.

• Communication with patient's clergy or spiritual support provided by Hospice chaplain.

• Social services to assist with psychosocial, emotional and financial needs.

• Bereavement services including mailings, support groups, memorial services, and counseling  for family and caregivers to assist in coping with the death of a loved one.

VNA Hospice Home Care and the the VNA Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton Hospice Center  are certified providers of the Hospice Medicare Benefit and certified by the Indiana State Department of Health.

Admission Criteria for Hospice Care

There are several criteria for admission, such as: 

• The patient has a limited life expectancy of six months or less.

• Curative medical intervention is no longer possible or desired.

• An attending physician is directing the patient’s care.

• Patients receiving VNA Hospice Care in their home must have a plan to have caregivers who will provide care between Hospice staff visits, when needed.

• A patient must reside in the geographical coverage area of the agency.

Hospice Care is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, some private insurance programs, individual resources and donations.