{"id":45,"date":"2025-11-19T22:30:44","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T22:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/concordia3.wpenginepowered.com\/good-samaritan-hospice\/?page_id=45"},"modified":"2026-10-12T18:08:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T22:08:25","slug":"getting-started-with-hospice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/where-to-start\/getting-started-with-hospice\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started with Hospice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow has-group-pattern-swoop group-pattern-center group-pattern-attachment-fixed\" style=\"background-color:#ffd166;padding-top:100px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:100px;padding-left:0px;width: 100%; max-width: 100%\">\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow group-width-max_width\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-container-content-32f399ae\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"56\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/12\/logo-blue.png\" alt=\"Concordia Icon\" class=\"wp-image-317\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px\">Support, Comfort and Guidance When It Matters Most<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b0ffac9c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex group-width-max_width\">\n<div style=\";width: 100%; max-width: 100%\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-46172957 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exploring hospice care often comes with many questions and emotions. Good Samaritan Hospice is here to provide clarity, reassurance and compassionate guidance as you consider your options for care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life for individuals facing advanced illness. Our team walks alongside patients and families with heartfelt compassion and steady support, helping ensure no one navigates this season alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether hospice is being recommended by a physician or you are beginning to explore it for yourself or a loved one, we are here to listen and help you understand what comes next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Good Samaritan Hospice, care may be provided wherever patients feel most comfortable and supported \u2014 including in a private residence, nursing facility, personal care community, assisted living setting or at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" src=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1493695756.jpg\" alt=\"Caregiver discussing health with an elderly man in a cozy setting.\" class=\"wp-image-2022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1493695756.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1493695756-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1493695756-1600x1068.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1493695756-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-1493695756-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow has-group-pattern-stripes group-pattern-center group-pattern-attachment-scroll\" style=\"padding-top:100px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:100px;padding-left:0px;width: 100%; max-width: 100%\">\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b0ffac9c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex group-width-max_width\">\n<div style=\";width: 100%; max-width: 100%\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-46172957 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-container-content-32f399ae\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"70\" height=\"76\" src=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/11\/icon-1.png\" alt=\"Concordia Icon\" class=\"wp-image-264\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3%;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-container-content-3cf5a658 has-high-contrast\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;--hc-contrast-text:#ffffff;\">When Hospice Care May Be Appropriate<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p style=\"--hc-contrast-text:#ffffff;\" class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 has-high-contrast wp-block-paragraph\">Hospice care may be appropriate when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3\">A physician determines a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its expected course<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4\">Curative treatments are no longer effective or are no longer desired<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5\">Comfort and symptom management become the primary focus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6\">Hospitalizations or emergency visits are increasing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7\">A patient and family wish to prioritize quality of life and time together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8\">Additional physical, emotional or spiritual support would be beneficial<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"--hc-contrast-text:#ffffff;\" class=\"has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9 has-high-contrast wp-block-paragraph\">Families are encouraged to reach out even if they are simply gathering information. Having conversations early can provide clarity, peace of mind and more time to focus on what matters most.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow has-group-pattern-swoop group-pattern-color-grey group-pattern-top_center group-pattern-attachment-fixed\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;padding-top:100px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:100px;padding-left:0px;width: 100%; max-width: 100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-tertiary-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow group-width-max_width\" style=\"border-width:3px;border-top-left-radius:20px;border-top-right-radius:20px;border-bottom-left-radius:20px;border-bottom-right-radius:20px;padding-top:50px;padding-right:50px;padding-bottom:50px;padding-left:50px;box-shadow:var(--wp--preset--shadow--deep);width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" data-aos=\"slide-up\" data-aos-duration=\"900\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"56\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/12\/logo-blue.png\" alt=\"Concordia Icon\" class=\"wp-image-317\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"padding-top:0px\">Hospice Care Centered Around Comfort and Choice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Good Samaritan Hospice provides compassionate, coordinated care in a variety of settings based on each patient\u2019s medical needs, comfort goals and personal wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hospice Care at Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many patients choose to receive hospice care in the comfort of home, surrounded by familiar routines and loved ones. Our interdisciplinary team provides visits, education, symptom management and ongoing support while helping families feel confident and supported in the caregiving journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hospice Care in Residential Communities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hospice services may also be provided in skilled nursing facilities, personal care homes and assisted living communities. Our team works closely with facility staff to ensure coordinated, compassionate care that supports comfort and dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inpatient Hospice Care at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When symptoms become difficult to manage at home or a higher level of comfort-focused care is needed, patients may qualify for short-term inpatient hospice care at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The House in Wexford offers a peaceful, home-like environment with around-the-clock clinical support for patients experiencing acute pain, symptom management needs or other complex challenges related to advanced illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Families are welcomed as an important part of the care experience, and every effort is made to create an atmosphere of comfort, peace and compassionate presence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow group-width-max_width\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"56\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/logo-blue.png\" alt=\"Concordia Icon\" class=\"wp-image-317\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" style=\"padding-top:0px\">How to Begin Hospice Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Starting hospice care typically involves a few simple steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained group-width-max_width\" data-aos=\"slide-up\" data-aos-duration=\"1000\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. A Physician Referral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hospice services are provided through a physician referral. A doctor may recommend hospice when eligibility criteria are met, or families may request an evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patients always have the right to choose their hospice provider. If hospice care is recommended, you or your family may request Good Samaritan Hospice, and our team will work closely with your physician to coordinate care.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-secondary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-secondary-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:90px;margin-bottom:100px\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained group-width-max_width\" data-aos=\"slide-up\" data-aos-duration=\"1000\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Eligibility Review<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team reviews medical information and insurance coverage to confirm eligibility. Hospice services are commonly covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-secondary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-secondary-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:90px;margin-bottom:100px\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained group-width-max_width\" data-aos=\"slide-up\" data-aos-duration=\"1000\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Personalized Plan of Care<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An interdisciplinary hospice team develops a care plan tailored to the patient\u2019s medical needs, comfort goals and personal wishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Care may include nursing visits, hospice aide support, social work services, spiritual care, volunteer support, bereavement services, medications, medical equipment and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-secondary-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-secondary-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" style=\"margin-top:90px;margin-bottom:100px\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained group-width-max_width\" data-aos=\"slide-up\" data-aos-duration=\"1000\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Care Begins at Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once services begin, our hospice team provides ongoing comfort-focused care, education and support for both patients and families. Nurses are available 24 hours a day for urgent needs and guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether care is provided at home, in a residential community or at the Hospice House, our goal remains the same: to bring comfort, dignity and peace throughout the journey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained has-group-pattern-swoop group-pattern-bottom_center group-pattern-attachment-scroll\" style=\"background-color:#ffd166;padding-top:100px;padding-bottom:100px;width: 100%; max-width: 100%\">\n<div style=\";width: 90%; margin: 0 auto; max-width:1200px\" class=\"wp-block-group wp-container-content-a5fc19f1 is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained group-width-max_width\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading wp-container-content-3cf5a658\" style=\"padding-top:0px\">We\u2019re Here to Help You Take the Next Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have questions about hospice care, eligibility or timing, we welcome your conversation. Our team is here to provide guidance with compassion and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about hospice care and what to expect when starting services with Good Samaritan Hospice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-63375db1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Support, Comfort and Guidance When It Matters Most Exploring hospice care often comes with many questions and emotions. Good Samaritan Hospice is here to provide clarity, reassurance and compassionate guidance as you consider your options for care. Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life for individuals facing advanced illness. Our team walks [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2021,"parent":24,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_acf_defaults_inserted":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-45","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2629,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/45\/revisions\/2629"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/good-samaritan-hospice\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}