Frequently Asked Questions
We understand your questions need answers. Emmanuel Hospice is here to guide you. If you have additional questions, please call us at 616.719.0919.
About Hospice Care
The medical definition of hospice is holistic care and support for people who have been given a physician prognosis of six months or less to live. Our goal is to:
- Help someone live as pain-free and alert as possible, throughout a serious illness
- Provide medications, equipment, supplies, and care related to pain and symptom relief
- Support and comfort you and your family by relieving the burdens of a serious illness
- Help your loved one focus on quality of life, making the best of every single day
Hospice is holistic care and support for people who have been given a physician prognosis of six months or less to live. If you have a terminal illness, and have discussed palliative or end of life care with your physician, it’s time to consider hospice.
It’s our calling to make every moment meaningful—for you and your family. Our team of doctors, nurses, social workers, hospice aides, spiritual caregivers, dietitians, pharmacists, grief support specialists and volunteers work together, rallying around your individual needs to care for the whole person — mind, body and spirit.
Hospice care happens wherever you call home, whether it’s in an assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility or a family home, our team comes to you. We’ll help you make the most of every moment by asking, “How do you want to live?” and our team of doctors, nurses, social workers, hospice aides, spiritual caregivers, dietitians, pharmacists, grief support specialists and volunteers work together to care for the whole person — mind, body and spirit.
Yes. You don’t need a physician referral to begin the hospice process and, in most cases, hospice costs are covered by Medicare or private insurance.
Hospice does not hasten the dying process. In fact, studies show hospice care can actually increase life expectancy by managing symptoms and providing holistic support.
Accessing Hospice Services
Anyone can connect a loved one with Emmanuel Hospice. You don’t need a physician referral to begin the process.
There is usually no direct cost to our patients and their loved ones. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance carriers cover medications, equipment, supplies, and a team of experts specialized in comforting those with a life-limiting illness.
Where is Emmanuel Hospice
Our care is available wherever your loved one calls home. Whether in an assisted living facility, skilled nursing facility or a third generation family farm, our team will come to you.
Yes. Hospice a service that can happen anywhere, even at home. Emmanuel Hospice provides at-home hospice services, including expert medical care, pain management and complementary holistic therapies.
From the Lakeshore to Ionia, Newaygo to Shelbyville, we provide care within a 50-mile radius of our office. If you’re not sure whether you are within this boundary, call 616.719.0919 or email us at info@emmanuelhospice.org.
As a part of the continuum of care of St. Ann's, Clark, Porter Hills, and Sunset residential communities, Emmanuel Hospice has access to care locations in Grand Rapids and the surrounding communities. Our staff is equipped to assist with admission to one of those or dozens of other residential communities we are partnered with in our service area that will provide secure, comfortable care for you/your loved one.
Hospice Medical Services
Yes. Our Medical Director will work with your current physician to provide pain and symptom management as needed.
Hospice will not discontinue all medications taken by a patient. A hospice nurse will work with a patient’s doctor to determine which medications are necessary to maintain comfort.
Hospice is a supplemental layer of support for your loved one. Unfortunately, insurance carriers do not pay for 24-hour hospice care. If your loved one is in need of a caregiver around the clock, our team of social workers will connect you with quality private duty home care or a skilled nursing facility.
Our highly trained extended care team evaluates critical needs and provides necessary support on nights and weekends.
Emmanuel Hospice Expertise
Our interfaith collaboration brings over 200 years of combined experience to West Michigan families.
We are blessed by our amazing donors to be able to provide services not covered by traditional insurances. These include our complementary therapies such as music therapy, massage therapy, pet visitors, acupuncture, and “Vigil Volunteers” to ensure no one is without a hand to hold during their final hours. Our grief support groups and resources are available to anyone who has suffered a recent loss; whether or not their loved one was a patient with Emmanuel Hospice.
In addition to serving the needs of our patients and families, Emmanuel Hospice feels it’s necessary to give back to the community. Our ministry is a proud member of and staff actively participate in the West Michigan Healthcare Network, Caregiver Resource Network, Council on Aging, Greater Grand Rapids End-of-Life Coalition, Making Choices Michigan steering committee, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Homecare & Hospice Association, and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association.
Yes, we’re available 24/7 to provide answers. Just call 616.719.0919 and our compassionate team will begin walking this journey by your side.