HOSPICE CARE

Hospice Care

Hospice is a unique type of care for those approaching the end of life. This concept of care focuses on relieving pain, providing comfort, and increasing the quality of life of our patients.

Hospice of the Valleys treats the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. You and your family will receive the support of a competent team of hospice professionals who will work with you to meet your needs and honor your wishes.

Introduction to Hospice

Hospice care should be considered when a patient has a life-limiting illness that is progressing despite standard treatments. Hospice care focuses on caring, not curing.

Hospice of the Valleys utilizes an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and trained volunteers that address symptom control, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient's needs and wishes.

Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal in California, and by most private insurance benefits.

As a nonprofit, we raise funds to cover the expenses and services not paid by insurance. .86 - .88 cents of every dollar goes directly to patient care.

Choosing Hospice

You have the right to choose your own hospice provider. In order to receive hospice care, your doctor and the hospice medical director must first certify that you’re terminally ill and have 6 months or less to live.

According to Medicare, once a patient has qualified for hospice care, he/she  is free to choose any qualified agency offering hospice services.

With more than just one hospice organization serving your community, it may seem difficult to select the right one. The best way to begin is by reaching out to the hospice providers in your community to find the one best equipped to meet your family’s specific needs and goals.

Hospice Compare reports information on hospices across the nation and allows patients, family members, and health care providers to get a snapshot of the quality of care each hospice provides. Click on the "Hospice Compare" button below to compare hospices based on a national survey that rates family members’ experiences with hospice care or on important indicators of quality, like the percentage of patients checked for pain or who are asked about their preferences for life-sustaining treatment.

Hospice of the Valleys is proud to announce we are the ONLY hospice out of 128 agencies in our area to receive a 5 star ranking.

Below is a list of questions you should consider when choosing a hospice organization:

  • How long has the hospice been serving patients?
  • What extra services does the hospice provide?
  • Do the hospice physicians work exclusively for hospice, do they also have outside practices, or do they own the hospice?
  • Am I able to speak with a hospice nurse on weekends, holidays, 24/7?
  • What is the average caseload for physicians, nurses, spiritual care advisors?
  • What services do volunteers offer?
  • What support is offered to the family/caregiver?
  • What options are available if a person needs in-patient care in a facility?
  • Is the hospice a member of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)?
  • Is the hospice CHAP accredited?
  • How far is your home from the hospice office?

Contact Hospice of the Valleys Admissions Department at (951) 200-7800 for answers to these questions.

Whether you are facing a terminal illness, are looking for more information, or would like to find out more about setting up an admissions visit, our Admissions Department is always ready to help.

Sign Up For Our Monthly Newsletter