Your loved one deserves the very best care. Don’t delay.
Caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness poses difficult choices, including the question of when to enter hospice. Too often during failing health, patients have increased symptoms and frequent hospitalizations that take away time from enjoying life. Hospice provides a less stressful alternative. Our purpose is to enable patients to live their remaining time as fully and comfortably as possible.
At Hospice of St. Mary's, located less than 10 miles South of MedStar St. Mary's Hospital, our team is patient—and family—focused. We will work collaboratively with you to establish and achieve your loved one’s goals.
Our services
Meet the team
A holistic approach to hospice care, providing the support and expertise you need.
- Comfort for the patient
- Coordination and provision of medical equipment, supplies, and medications
- 24/7 on-call nursing services
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Family support
- Information sessions
- Help identifying personal and community resources
- Hospice House of St. Mary’s, a six-bed facility specializing in hospice care
- 13 months of grief support for hospice families
- Community grief support groups
Call301-994-3023, or submit a request form and we'll be in touch
We come to you.
Enable your loved one to enjoy the comfort and security of familiar surroundings, warmed by family, friends, and neighbors. Our specialists are dedicated to providing personalized care and answering all your questions regarding evolving medical needs, insurance coverage, and proper supervision. This valuable support helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
Enroll in hospice earlier for better, more specialized health care.
Hospice care is not a last resort. It’s a medically-proven approach that’s designed to support patients and families, while relieving the symptoms and side effects of those who are seriously ill. In fact, patients who enroll in hospice care early live an average of 28 days longer, according to some studies.
Many caregivers wait until the final few days to enroll a loved one into hospice care. Unfortunately, this delay deprives the patient—and their family—of the many benefits that hospice can provide.
Meet your hospice care team.
Every patient receives an integrated team of specialists to help handle the many issues and questions that come up during this complex time. Having these vital resources on hand gives you a sense of confidence and peace of mind. In turn, this allows you to be at your best for your loved one.
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Registered Nurse/Case Manager
Manages team oversight and acts as the medical liaison between the patient and his/her doctors. Can quickly update physicians on changes in condition, so medications can be adjusted in a timely manner.
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Daily Personal Aide
Provides tailored personal care for the patient and a much-needed break for caregivers.
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On-Call Nurse 24/7
An essential support service to answer questions and make visits as needed.
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Social Worker
Highly skilled and experienced in end-of-life planning, plus trained to provide psychosocial support.
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Volunteers
Trained community members who visit with the patient and family to provide support and companionship.
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Chaplain
Available to the patient and family to provide comfort, prayer, and solace.
“I love my job at hospice because I get to see the difference our volunteers make in the lives of patients and families.”
- Emily, Development and Volunteer Coordinator
“It's important to provide comfort during this journey. I love being there for families and patients during their time of need.”
- Teresa, BSN, RN
“I believe that each transition in life is valuable. Being part of the final transition for patients is especially meaningful to me.”
- Megan, BSN, RN, CM/DN
Understandably, hospice care can be difficult conversation to begin. Start with a simple call.
Initiating a conversation about hospice care can be emotionally challenging for both patients and their families. To begin the process, start with a simple call to the caring professionals at Hospice of St. Mary's. They are dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients and their loved ones and will know how to help.
Call301-994-3023, or submit a request form and we'll be in touch
FAQs
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Who is eligible for hospice care?
Patients identified at the end stage of illness are eligible for hospice care, regardless of their age, religion, race, or illness. The hospice benefit was designed for patients with a six month or less prognosis, if the illness runs its natural course. Should the patient live longer than six months, they’re re-certified for hospice coverage, as long as their condition continues to decline. This hospice coverage remains in effect for as long as the patient lives. To discuss a patient’s eligibility for hospice services, call 301-994-3023 and speak to one of our hospice nurses. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Is hospice care covered by insurance?
Hospice is a benefit that’s covered under Medicare, Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), as well as other managed health care organizations. At MedStar Health, no patient is ever turned away for lack of insurance or ability to pay.
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What does hospice care include?
Hospice care is designed to cover the services and costs related to the patient’s illness. These include:
- Registered Nurse case management and support 24/7
- Certified Nursing Assistants to provide personal care
- Related medications
- Medical equipment
- Supplies including basic incontinent supplies and wound care
- Pain and symptom management
- Physician-directed services
- Social support for both patient and families/caregivers
- Volunteer support
- Spiritual care
- Physical therapy consults for mobility teaching
- Family/caregiver bereavement support
- Informational home visits
Complementary therapies may also be available, including massage therapy, pet therapy, and Reiki.
Please get in touch with a nurse at Hospice of St. Mary’s to discuss a patient’s eligibility and coverage for hospice services. They’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 301-994-3023.
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What are the signs that a patient may be ready for hospice care?
Despite the many benefits that hospice care provides, some families are still hesitant to use it. They don’t want their termininally ill friends and family members to feel they’re being given up on.
It’s natural to feel this way. However, that shouldn’t prevent you from considering when to place someone in hospice. The care could greatly improve their quality of life and allow them to enjoy the time they have left, rather than suffering.
The following are signs that you or your family should consider hospice care:
- Increased pain
- Shortness of breath with minimal exertion
- Frequent infections
- Recurrent hospitalizations
- Weight loss
- Non-healing wounds
- Decline in ability to function
- Cognitive decline
Common diagnoses associated with hospice care include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema
- Coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure
- Dementia
- Liver and kidney disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
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Do patients have to give up their doctors when entering hospice?
No. At MedStar Health, we encourage collaboration with the patient’s primary physician(s) and respect their knowledge of the patient’s condition, as well as the patient’s comfort with their relationship. Our assigned Registered Nurse/Case Manager helps keep these physicians informed on the patient’s health developments and medication needs.
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Isn't hospice for those who have only a few days or weeks to live?
Absolutely not. Hospice is designed to assist and support patients with a doctor prognosis of up to six months to live. It’s specialized care that eases the transition to end of life, with a focus on quality of life and comfort—instead of curative treatment. During this period, many patients actually show improvement due to the renewed focus on proper medication, diet, and activities.
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Once admitted to hospice, are you confined to the house?
No, not at all. In fact, patients are encouraged to continue their normal activities. For those who feel up to it, hospice may be a time to take a long-awaited trip, dine out, or attend a special family event.
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After hospice care begins, is it possible to discontinue services?
Yes. Patients are free to leave hospice care at any time and for any reason, without a penalty. They can also re-enroll as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. In fact, there have been cases where patients “graduated” from hospice care due to health improvement. Hospice re-evaluates patients periodically to assess appropriateness and continued eligibility. As long as their condition continues to decline, they’re recertified for hospice coverage for as long as they live.
Hospice House of St. Mary’s: For those in need of accommodations and around-the-clock care.
Hospice of St. Mary’s operates a residential Hospice House located on 23 wooded acres in Callaway, MD. We have a six-bed capacity, with enrollment based upon availability and need. While medical insurance covers the hospice benefit, it does not cover room and board at our Hospice House. Residents with a documented financial need may apply for a reduced rate to cover room and board fees.
Our location
Call301-994-3023, or submit a request form and we'll be in touch
Bereavement services to help you through your grief journey.
It’s never easy when a loved one passes. That’s why we continue to offer support to your family to ease the transition for up to thirteen months. These services include one-on-one grief counseling, periodic phone calls, support groups, and even a K-12 recreational camp.