What services does Hospice of Homer offer?
Hospice of Homer services include end of life support, volunteer visitors and phone friends for the frail and isolated, medical equipment loans, educational offerings, lending library, and information and referral.
Can I keep my own doctor and still receive services from Hospice of Homer?
Families stay with their primary physician and/or oncologist. Your doctor and Hospice of Homer will work together with your family to set up a plan of care that meets your needs. You and your family receive this care wherever the client lives.
What do the services provided by Hospice of Homer cost?
Hospice of Homer does not charge for its services. Services are supported through donations from the community, grants, and fundraising. Making Hospice of Homer part of your planned giving plan is always appreciated and helps ensure our hospice services will be available without cost to families in the future.
Does Hospice of Homer have a hospice house?
Not at this time. For those admitted to South Peninsula Hospital there is a Hospice room available. In addition, some area long term care facilities and assisted living homes offer comfort rooms for end of life care when living at home is not possible. Hospice of Homer will provide care wherever you are living.
Can I still have treatments for my illness?
Individuals are welcome to continue any therapies or treatments while working with Hospice of Homer, including chemotherapy, radiation, antibiotics, blood transfusions, etc. Although Hospice of Homer does not provide medical support, we do work closely with area medical providers.
What if I’m not ready for nursing care or formal hospice?
Some of the families with whom Hospice of Homer works request and receive information to help them prepare for the future long before they need formal hospice services. Hospice of Homer can help people with such things as answering questions, exploring options, talking to children, etc. Hospice of Homer has a library of helpful books available as well as volunteers to help with life review.
Are medication expenses covered by Hospice of Homer?
Hospice of Homer is a non-medical hospice and does not provide medications. Many families have medications paid for by their insurance company. The Hospice of Homer Service Coordinator works with families that are underinsured or without insurance by providing options they might explore that will pay for needed medications and equipment.
Are medical equipment expenses covered by Hospice of Homer?
Hospice of Homer offers for free loan of basic medical equipment such as shower chairs, walkers, hospital beds, wheelchairs, etc. If Hospice does not have the needed equipment, many families’ insurance companies will pay for the needed items. Feel free to check with Hospice of Homer to see if we have the piece of equipment you need before you or your insurance company purchases it.
Do you have home health aides?
Certified Nursing Assistants are not employed by Hospice of Homer, but the Hospice Service Coordinator can assist a family in locating this resource. Hospice does informally partner with outside agencies that offer support and provide trained volunteers to assist with day to day practical tasks, errands, and emotional support for families and patients. Our volunteers do not provide hands-on client care unless it is an emergency situation.
Who does Hospice of Homer serve?
Last year we served over 50 individuals and families through the HOH End of Life program. In addition about 200 individuals received bereavement support, mostly through our correspondence program. Twenty five participated in individual and group grief support. Most of the individuals we serve are over the age of 60. While most are experiencing cancer, many have other kinds of illnesses.
