Hospice Care

Hospice care through VCU Health at Home offers advanced medical services, improved quality of life, symptom control and pain management to patients with terminal (incurable) illnesses—like end-stage cancers, heart disease, lung disease and organ failure—in the comfort of their own homes, close to their loved ones.

VCU Health Hospice at Home is a multidisciplinary team that work together to treat patients’ physical conditions as well as address any emotional, social and spiritual needs during this challenging time. Because we understand the impact of a terminal illness on both patients and their families, we work hard every day to provide a comfortable, fulfilling and dignified end-of-life experience.

Is My Loved One Eligible for Hospice?

Your loved one may be eligible for hospice care at home if:

• They have a terminal or life-limiting illness with a life expectancy limited to 6 months, certified by a physician
• They are no longer receiving or seeking curative treatment
• There is a family member or friend serving as a caregiver to support the patient
• They want to remain in the comfort, privacy and familiarity of their homeThey are located within a 50-mile radius of the VCU Hospice office

Hospice Care at Home Services

Hospice care at home means the entire family can receive services as needed, including caregiver support, from a team of compassionate professionals. Patients can also participate in normal activities as much as they are able in their homes.

Depending on your needs, you may benefit from Hospice care at home services such as:

• Bereavement services to support loved ones through the grieving process
• Companionship from hospice professionals and trained volunteers
• Medical care, including skilled nursing services
• Medical supplies and equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen and more
• Medication management, including administering medications and keeping track of medication time
• Palliative care, which aims to improve quality of life including through pain and symptom management
• Respite care when home hospice patients are temporarily admitted to a nursing facility to give caregivers time to take a break
• We Honor Veterans, a joint effort from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Department of Veterans Affairs that focuses on the unique end-of-life needs of veterans and their families

You may also benefit from our Preference Bridge Clinic. This virtual service offers advance care planning via telehealth, but bringing patients and their families together to truly understand the patient’s desires and goals of care before having to make difficult decisions at end of life. An advance care plan can equip patients, and especially their families, with the knowledge they need to know they are making the decision that their loved one would have wanted them to make.

How to Access Hospice Care at Home

You can request hospice Care at home for your loved ones through VCU Health’s inpatient care coordinator or your VCU clinic nursing staff. Rely on the coordinator to support the transition from inpatient care or other care services to hospice at home.

During  hospice care, you will meet with your dedicated care team through virtual and in-person visits. Feel peace of mind knowing the team will continue to provide bereavement services to you and your family after your loved one has passed.

Contact the Hospice Team

If you have questions about our home hospice program, call our care coordinator at (804) 628-HOME.

Meet Our Team

Your care team will work together to ensure your loved one’s care is coordinated and your family is well-supported. Your team may include:

• Bereavement coordinators
• Hospice aides
• Nurses
• Physicians (including palliative care specialists)
• Social workers
• Spiritual care
• Therapists
• Volunteers