The Mercy Medical Center Hospice team cares for and supports individuals facing a terminal illness by treating not only the physical symptoms associated with a disease, but also the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. The hospice team provides pain and symptom management so patients may live as comfortably and normally as possible. Bereavement services are also available.

The hospice team recognizes dying as a normal process, whether or not it results from disease. The hospice team hopes and believes that through appropriate care by a community sensitive to the needs of patients and families, patients and families will be free to attain a satisfactory degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death.

The Mercy Medical Center Hospice team includes nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual care providers, and volunteers. The hospice team meets with the patient and family to assess needs and develop a care plan, which will be adjusted as necessary. The patient and family help determine whether care will be provided in the home, hospital, or nursing home. The team works to ensure as comfortable and normal a life as possible for the patient.

Pain control and symptom management are the greatest needs of many patients, and Mercy Hospice provides these services through a variety of medications and approaches. A registered nurse visits regularly to evaluate the patient, adjust medications, and answer questions. A registered nurse is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, to assist the patient in dealing with pain and the emotional needs related to illness and dying.

Mercy Hospice is funded by private donations, insurance reimbursement, and patients. Medicare and Medicaid cover much of the cost of hospice care, and other insurance companies may cover some costs as well. Please consult your insurance carrier for specific information on coverage. Patients who meet Mercy Hospice eligibility requirements will not be turned away due to inability to pay.

Tax deductible gifts to support Mercy Hospice are welcome and can be coordinated through the Mercy Medical Center Development Office at 208-463-5870.

For more information about Mercy Hospice or becoming a Mercy Hospice volunteer,
please call 208-463-5220.