Crawford County Hospice & Palliative Care FAQ
Hospice FAQ
Hospice of Crawford County, Inc. is committed to providing caring, patient-centered
hospice and palliative care services to our patients in Meadville and
surrounding communities. This page contains answers to common questions
about hospice care in general and our program in particular.
For further information, contact Hospice of Crawford County, Inc., in Meadville
at (814) 333-5403 or in Titusville at (814) 827-0330.
What is hospice?
Hospice is a compassionate care for those with a life-limiting illness.
Hospice focuses on providing pain relief, symptom relief and emotional
and spiritual support to our patients and their loved ones so they can
experience a quality life. The goal of hospice care is to improve the
quality of life by offering comfort and dignity.
Who is eligible for hospice?
Individuals whose prognosis is six months or less if the disease follows
its normal course are eligible. If you meet these criteria, you must then
evaluate whether you prefer comfort care or curative treatment during
the last months of life. We respect the individual's need to retain
the power of choice—to face their illness and death in their own
way and with dignity. Hope for a full recovery may be gone but hope for
as much quality time as possible with loved ones still exists.
Does an individual have to be close to death to be referred to Hospice
of Crawford County?
No. In order for patients and their families to get the most benefit from
hospice care, Hospice of Crawford County encourages early referral to
our program. Early referral allows our interventions to better enhance
the quality of life and support for everyone involved. In fact, studies
have shown that people who use hospice may actually live longer.
Does hospice make death come sooner?
No. Hospice does nothing to speed up or slow down the dying process. At
Hospice of Crawford County, we are experts who provide our presence and
specialized knowledge during the natural dying process. Our goal is to
provide patients and their families with improved quality of life—free
from pain, annoying symptoms, anxiety and hospitalizations—so patients
can enjoy time with loved ones.
Where does Hospice of Crawford County provide care?
We provide care wherever you call home: A private residence, assisted
living, nursing home, Marquette Hospice House, or the hospital. Hospice
of Crawford County cares for people in Crawford, Erie, Venango, Mercer,
Forest and Warren Counties.
How does hospice help?
Hospice helps you manage your pain and other symptoms while helping you
and your loved ones adjust to the emotions and stress encountered with
a serious illness. The Hospice team—which may include doctors, nurses,
social workers, home health aides, chaplain and volunteers—make
regular visits to assess, teach and support you and your loved ones. They
are available 24 / 7.
Who pays for hospice care?
Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran's benefits
and most private insurances. Most hospices have care available at a reduced
cost or free for those who have no coverage. Hospice of Crawford County,
a non-profit agency, never denies and provides the same quality of care
to everyone regardless of ability to pay.
How do I get hospice care?
Every time someone is faced with a life-limiting illness it is appropriate
to discuss all options for care. Most referrals come from the patient's
doctor however they can also come from family or friends, clergy, nursing
home staff or the patient. Feel free to discuss hospice care with your
physician or healthcare professional, clergy, family and friends any time.
The final decision belongs to the patient.
Do I have to give up my own doctor in order to receive hospice care?
No. Hospice of Crawford County recognizes the strong relationship a patient
can have with their physician. Hospice functions as an extension of the
patient's attending physician. Our team works with each physician,
serving as the eyes and ears of the physician in the home. If you do not
have a doctor, Hospice of Crawford County has medical directors available
to follow you.
Why choose Hospice of Crawford County?
Hospice of Crawford County is the area's only non-profit community
based hospice. Our resources are used to benefit our patients, their families
and the community—not shareholders. Our board consists of local,
concerned citizens—not out-of-town executives. Our medical directors
are board certified in hospice and palliative care. We are the only local
hospice that cares for children. We offer Marquette Hospice House to the
community to meet their needs. We have proudly served our community since
1984 and are the first hospice in Northwest Pennsylvania to have earned
Medicare certification.
Palliative Care FAQ
Where is care provided?
• Home
• Nursing home
• Assisted living facility
• Hospital
How is Palliative Care paid for?
• Medicare
• Medical Assistance
• VA Benefits
• Most insurances
*coverage is based on the individual insurance provider
What help is available for my family?
• Emotional support and spiritual support
• Educational support to help you know what to expect
• Education about disease progression
• Discussions about current and future
healthcare options
• Moderating family meetings, if needed, to open lines
of communication about health care goals
• Advanced care planning
How do I begin the process?
Call us at 814-333-5403