What Is Hospice?
Hospice is a philosophy of care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life during an advanced illness. It's about how you live the time you have, surrounded by people who care.
Hospice is a philosophy
Hospice care is a holistic approach that supports you and your loved ones through the journey of a serious illness. The focus isn’t a cure. It’s comfort, dignity, and the small moments that make life feel like life.
Hospice celebrates living in the present, surrounds families with support, and never hastens death. It’s about being there, fully and gently, for as long as the journey lasts.
“It’s heavy, but it’s sort of the philosophy of Hospice that it’s not about death. It’s about life. When you are able to comfort the relatives of death, you’re able to live life as long as you can.”
When hospice is the right time
Many families wait longer than they wish they had. Hospice can begin earlier than people realize, and the sooner it begins, the more support a family can lean on.
A doctor's prognosis of six months or less
Hospice is for anyone with a serious illness when life expectancy is six months or less if the illness runs its expected course.
Treatments are no longer helping
When the focus is shifting from curing the illness to living comfortably and meaningfully through it.
Increasing trips to the hospital or ER
Hospice care is designed to manage symptoms at home, where most people prefer to be.
A wish to focus on comfort and quality of life
Hospice does not hasten death. It celebrates the time that's left and honors how you want to live it.
Your hospice team
Hospice care is a true team effort, and you’re at the center of it. Here’s who walks alongside you.
You & your loved ones
Hospice care starts with you. Your goals, your wishes, and the people around you are at the center of every plan we make.
Your personal physician
Your own doctor stays involved, working alongside our team to keep your care consistent and familiar.
Hospice physicians
Our physicians specialize in comfort care and symptom management. They make home visits and coordinate closely with your doctor.
Registered nurses
RNs visit regularly, manage symptoms, and are available 24 hours a day by phone, with after-hours home visits when needed.
Hospice aides
Aides help with the gentle, everyday things: bathing, grooming, and personal care, so you can rest and family can be family.
Social workers
Help navigating paperwork, family conversations, community resources, and the emotional weight of this season.
Hospice chaplain
Spiritual support that meets you wherever you are. Faith-based, multi-faith, or no faith. Every person is welcomed.
Bereavement coordinator
Grief support for family members for thirteen months following a loss, plus support groups open to the community.
Volunteers
Companionship, respite for caregivers, and the small acts of kindness that make a big difference.
What’s included in hospice care
Hospice care covers far more than people realize. Here’s what comes with the support of Richmond County Hospice.
Medications
Prescriptions related to your terminal diagnosis.
Medical supplies
Items needed for daily care, comfort, and safety.
Durable medical equipment
Hospital beds, wheelchairs, oxygen, and more.
Personal hygiene items
Everyday essentials that make care comfortable.
Respite care
Short stays at Hospice Haven so caregivers can rest.
24-hour on-call team
A live person on the phone any hour of the day or night.
Short-term inpatient care
Acute symptom management at Hospice Haven.
Crisis care
Extra support during difficult or rapidly changing moments.
Bereavement services
Continued grief support for your family for thirteen months.
Hospice Care, Guided by Compassion
Hospice is a philosophy of care, and at Richmond County Hospice, it’s also our family caring for yours. Here’s what sets our hospice apart:
- The only non-profit hospice based in Richmond County, caring for our neighbors since 1985
- Hospice Haven General Inpatient Center with six private rooms
- Home visits from our hospice medical providers
- After-hours calls answered and home visits made by our hospice nurses
- Recognized with the DEYTA Hospice Honors Award and Elite Honors Award
- Fully accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP)
Paying for hospice
Medicare
The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers most hospice services in full (medications, equipment, visits, and bereavement care) for those who qualify.
Medicaid
Medicaid’s hospice benefit closely mirrors Medicare’s and covers comprehensive hospice services for eligible individuals.
Private insurance
Most private insurance plans include hospice coverage. Our team can review your benefits with you and answer any cost questions.
No one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. Call us and we’ll talk it through.
Ready to ask a question?
Whether you’re weighing hospice for a loved one or just want to understand what it might look like, our Intake team is ready to talk it through with you. No pressure, no rush.