Choosing Hospice
They say Hospice allows people to 'die with dignity', but what does that mean? It means that most people do not want to die in an institution, surrounded by stainless steel, machines and tubes. It means they would rather be surrounded by family and by caring professionals who give hope rather than take it away, who listen with open ears, open hearts and open minds. Hospice allows patients to face the end of their lives without the fear of dying in pain or of not being able to say 'goodbye' as they would like to.
Our foremost goal is that patients live out their days for as long as possible and in a way that is meaningful to them.
Make A Referral
ANYONE can make a referral to Hospice of Southern West Virginia - a family member, friend, neighbor, nurse, discharge planner, physician, patient, Hospice team member - ANYONE can make a referral to Hospice services.
A physician is not needed for a referral. Patients can be admitted from any home care setting: home, hospital, skilled nursing facility or doctor's office.
To make a referral to Hospice of Southern WV, please call 304-255-6404 or 1-800-900-6404.
OR complete and submit the form below someone will be in touch with you directly.
Admission
Once a referral is made, our referral nurse will set up a consult for the patient and family’s members. A Registered Nurse will come into the home and go over all the aspects of our services and the admission criteria. Patients and their families will receive an introduction packet that has all the information and phone numbers they will need if they choose to accept Hospice services.
After the initial consultation, a formal admission visit will be scheduled. While anyone can make a referral, to be admitted, a physician does have to sign off on the admission. Patients can choose to have their personal physician follow them while on Hospice services or our Medical Director can follow the patient.
Only three things are necessary to complete an admission:
- Primary physician agreement that Hospice services are appropriate
- Patient/family election of Hospice benefit through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance
- Patient meets admitting criteria
Paying for Care
Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances, and core services are provided regardless of ability to pay. A portion of funding is derived from grants, gifts, donations and memorials.
For Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, benefits are covered 100% for services related to the terminal illness.