Hospice

Hospice

Care & Comfort at the End of Life

Choosing hospice care is often misperceived as giving up hope. But people who choose hospice are actually redefining hope. Although a cure may no longer be possible, VCHS Hospice helps patients and their families redirect their hope toward quality of life, fulfilling wishes, spending time with loved ones and finding peace and comfort.

People are eligible for hospice care when life expectancy, as certified by a physician, is six months or less, assuming the illness runs its normal course. Our hospice team of doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy members, therapists, and volunteers offer a holistic approach to making a patient's remaining time as fulfilling and comfortable as possible.

Our dedicated, caring staff works closely with the patient’s family as well. Bereavement follow-up is offered to family and friends for up to one year following the death of a loved one. We also sponsor bereavement and support groups for anyone in the community who has experienced the death of a family member, friend, or loved one.

Hospice Guidelines

• The Valley County Health System Hospice Program serves patients regardless of age, gender, nationality, race, creed, sexual orientation, disability, diagnosis, or ability to pay.
• No one is refused service based on financial status and in most cases Hospice services are reimbursed by major health insurance plans and Medicare.
• A referral from the patient’s physician is needed.
• A primary caregiver should be present in the home environment.

For more information, call 308.728.4355 or 800.352.2171.

We Honor Veterans Program

VCHS Home Health and Hospice Department is a proud participant in the national "We Honor Veterans" program. This is a collaborative effort of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and hospice organizations, such as VCHS Hospice. The goal is to ensure excellent care of veterans and support for their families at the end of a veteran’s life. 

As a “We Honor Veterans” level two partner, VCHS Hospice visits with patients and their families about the patient’s experience in the Armed Services and thanks patients for their service. Additionally, VCHS Hospice staff and volunteers honor each veteran with a VA-Hospice lapel pin and a certificate of appreciation for their service. VCHS Hospice has been involved with the “We Honor Veterans” program since January 2012.