Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.

Anyone can connect a loved one with Emmanuel Hospice. You don’t need a physician referral to begin the process.

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.

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.

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.

From the Lakeshore to Ionia, Newaygo to Shelbyville, we provide care within a 50-mile radius of our office.

Our highly trained extended care team evaluates critical needs and provides necessary support on nights and weekends.

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, acupressure, acupuncture, and “Peace Partners” 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.

Our interfaith collaboration brings over 200 years of combined experience to West Michigan families.

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.