Centered on a philosophy of compassion and care, the approach of CoxHealth Oxford Hospice involves a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and trained volunteers who provide ongoing support for both the patient and the family in a safe, familiar setting.
Hospice care is a special way of caring for patients and their families as the end of life is nearing. Care is primarily provided in the home or the patient's usual living environment. Hospice care provides comfort through pain and symptom management when treatment of medical problems no longer promotes quality of life.
Benefits of Hospice Care
The focus of hospice care is on the quality of a person's life. Hospice patients are encouraged to remain as active as possible for as long as possible and so are not required to be homebound. This approach allows the patient to continue to be close to family and friends, remain involved in daily activities and maintain dignity in the last days. Family members participate in the care of their loved one and know that he/she is in the most comfortable surroundings possible.
A patient under hospice care also has the benefit of a primary nurse who follows the patient throughout the final stages of illness and provides intensive one-on-one management of pain and symptoms. This nurse serves as a liaison to the attending physician, maintaining consistent and high-quality care.
In addition, a home care aide may assist with the personal care needs of the patient. Medications for symptom management/pain relief and medical equipment and supplies, as appropriate, are provided by hospice. Counseling by a trained social worker and/or a chaplain is available to the family and patient.
Criteria for Admission to the Hospice Program
Admission to CoxHealth Hospice is based on medical condition. A patient is eligible to be entered into the program when:
- He/she is defined as "terminally ill" and has a prognosis of six months or less, if the disease takes its normal course.
- Both the patient and his/her family have been informed of this prognosis by the physician.
- There is documented clinical progression of the patient's disease.
- The patient and his/her family and loved ones have decided not to pursue curative treatment.
Making the Referral
Referring a patient to hospice is sometimes a difficult decision. Our medical directors, nurses and social workers are available to meet with the physician who is considering the referral or with the patient and his/her family and loved ones before a decision is made for admission to a hospice. We also provide evaluations of patients, at no cost to the patient, to help determine if hospice care is the appropriate choice at that time.
Reimbursement for Hospice Care
Payment for hospice services is covered through Medicare Part A, Medicaid, and some insurance companies. Most hospice programs will help research your medical coverage for you.
As a not-for-profit organization, CoxHealth Oxford Hospice does not refuse admission to any patient regardless of the ability to pay.
We provide services to terminally ill patients in their home or in the hospital under inpatient hospice or respite care.
Services Provided by Hospice
Hospice patients are cared for by a team of healthcare professionals and trained volunteers. Services include:
- Skilled Nursing
Nurses are available 24 hours a day for consultations or to make after-hours visits when necessary
- Nurse Aides
A home care aide may assist with the personal care needs of the patient or assist with light housekeeping chores.
- Physician Services
The Hospice Medical Director is available for consultation with the patient's attending physician and hospice staff.
- Social Services
Bereavement Counseling and Family Counseling/Support Counseling by a trained social worker and/or a chaplain is available to the family and patient
- Volunteer Services
- Therapy Services
- Respite Care
A five day benefit period during which time the patient will be cared for in a Medicare approved facility such as a hospital or nursing home to provide the usual caregiver with a rest.
- Short Term Hospitalization
For pain control and symptom management
- Medical Equipment and Supplies and Related Medications
Drugs for symptom management/pain relief and medical equipment and supplies, as appropriate, are provided by hospice.
CoxHealth Oxford Hospice is Medicare-certified, JCAHO-certified and licensed by the state of Missouri.
Contact Us
CoxHealth Oxford Home Care & Hospice
590 Birch Street, Suite 1B
Hollister, MO 65672
(417) 348-8580