Who is eligible for hospice?

Hospice serves patients with a terminal illness resulting in a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by the patient’s physician. The patient makes the decision to choose hospice in partnership with his or her family physician and the hospice team, after a thorough review of all the care options.

When is it time for hospice?

When the goal of treatment begins to shift from curing the illness to providing comfort, it is time to consider hospice. This time may come well before a physician indicates that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less. Sadly, many people wait until their final days to involve hospice. By contacting hospice early in the diagnosis, the patient and family reserve time to understand their options and choose the path that will have the most positive impact on quality of life. The best time to learn about hospice is before you need it.

Why should we choose hospice?

The decision to choose hospice is a very personal one. It directly involves the patient, family, physician and any loved ones who may serve as caregivers. Here are a few things you should consider. Hospice’s expertise in palliative, or “comfort” care, assures the patient of state-of-the-art pain control and symptom management. Hospice enables patients to focus on living their remaining days fully, among family and friends.

Where is hospice care provided?

Hospice Care takes place in the home. For some, “home” may mean a house or an apartment. For others, it may be some form of extended care facility, such as a nursing home or assisted living community. In addition, Hospice of Laurens County has the only hospice inpatient facility in our county.

The majority of hospice patients live in their own home with the help of a family member or friend who serves as the “primary caregiver.” This caregiver works closely with the hospice team to provide for the patient’s daily needs. In extended care facilities, hospice teams create a partnership with the staff and family, just as they would with the family in the home.

What makes hospice care unique?

Hospice care centers around the patient and family. The goal of the professional hospice team is to empower you to make your own choices with its support and assistance. The team serves as your advocates, helping you to access the information and resources you need during this very challenging time.

In addition to providing the care directly, hospice team members serve as teachers, enabling the family to care for their loved one at home. Hospice recognizes that the family and caregivers need an extra measure of support both during and after their experience of caring for a terminally ill patient.

Hospice of Laurens County is the only not-for-profit hospice based in Laurens County. We have served thousands of families since 1987. Since 2008 Hospice of Laurens County has served hundreds of patients and families in the county’s only Hospice House.

This beautiful state-of-the-art facility is a safety net for our community. We offer around the clock care led by our Medical Director Patsy Sadler. We are proud to be the hospice of choice in our county. We have hundreds of volunteers and a dedicated staff to care for you or your loved one. We are licensed to serve the following counties: Laurens, Newberry, Union, Greenwood, Greenville, and Spartanburg.

For more information about how we can help you please visit our website at www.hospiceoflaurenscounty.com or contact us at 864-833-6287. I am always available to speak to your church or civic group. Please contact me at 864-684-9953 when I can help you.