Eligibility
In order to be eligible to elect hospice care under Medicare, an individual must be entitled to Part A of Medicare and certified as being terminally ill by a physician and having a prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course.
Healthcare Professionals
You can keep you own doctor or work with our Samaritan Hospice physician and care team to develop your plan of care. Your nurse will make regular visits and work with your physician to ensure you are comfortable. The nurse will also educate you and your family members about your medications and treatments. We have nurses available for unscheduled visits and/or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our certified nurse aides will assist with bathing, dressing, personal hygiene and all other activities of daily living.
Spiritual Care
Our chaplain will support your spiritual beliefs and practices, offer prayers, and can assist with planning memorial services. Bereavement support is peace of mind for the entire family. Grief is a normal response and is different with each person. These feelings may remain for a long time after a loved has died. We provide bereavement support for 13 months after the death of your loved one.
Social Services
Our social worker will help you and your family deal with the psychological and emotional effects of an end-of-life illness. They can help bridge the gap between family members, obtain community resources as needed, assist with advance directives and funeral planning.
Advance Directives
Advance Directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about medical treatment some time in the future when you are unable to make decisions because of a medical condition. It is a way to communicate your wishes to your family, friends, and health care professionals. Forms can be found at: https://hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/forms/advance-directives
Care Settings
Our comprehensive services can be provided in your personal home, assisted living, or nursing home.
We Honor Veterans Program
We are proud members of the We Honor Veterans program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the Veterans Administration. This program gives the veteran a chance to tell their story. It gives the veterans respect for their service, thanks them for their service, and shows appreciation for the service and their family.
Financial Benefits of Hospice
- Hospice services are 100% covered by Medicare/Medicaid for those who qualify.
- The Medicare Hospice benefit pays for 100% of the medications related to the terminal diagnosis.
- The Medicare Hospice benefit pays for durable medical equipment such as: hospital beds, wheel-chairs, oxygen, etc.
- Many private insurances and managed care policies cover Hospice care.
- The Hospice benefit includes coverage of physician services; nursing services; home health aides; medical appliances, medication, and supplies; spiritual, dietary, and other counseling; trained volunteers; bereavement services; social work services and 24/7 On-call Support
- “We Honor Veterans” Program