Business Details
About
Hospice and Palliative MedicineSupport Group
Serving northern Indiana families with hospice care, palliative support, and bereavement services since 1980. Comfort and dignity at every stage, in your home or our home-like inpatient facilities. Available 24/7 with specialized pediatric and adult care.
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- JEJoni EyestoneDec 8, 20255.0Thank you the nurses and support staff!! Their care and kindness will not be forgotten! On behalf of myself and my family. Thank you!
- CCCCAug 17, 20255.0My aunt who had complex medical needs recently died an extremely peaceful death at Raclin House. My family is so grateful for the amazing care she received there in the last couple of days of her life there. The facility is beautiful and the staff had the utmost compassion and care for both my Aunt and me. The CHC quickly helped us move my aunt from the ICU to Raclin house once we made the decision to have her enter hospice care, where they were able to get her symptoms of end stage pneumonia under control quickly. I am so grateful she died peacefully at Raclin instead of an ICU. The staff were kind, respectful of the my family’s religious requests for end of life rituals, and one of the CNAs even painted my aunt nails. I felt like she was really pampered her last few days. If you are in the difficult position of helping a loved one enter hospice I would definitely recommend CHC.
- RLRobbie LovanAug 11, 20195.0We cannot thank all the staff enough for the wonderful service and care of our family during and ending with a 2 year struggle with strokes! Dad was lived by all!
- RERandy EbrightJun 1, 20195.0We wanted to pass along our gratitude for the caring care that Deb’s Mom (Barbara Ladeira) received. While she has passed, our family is deeply appreciative. Staff was supportive, informative and very caring. Thank you all and God Bless. Randy and Debbie Ebright
Frequently Asked Questions About Center for Hospice Care
When and who should make a decision about entering hospice?
At any time during a life-limiting illness, you can, and should, discuss care options, including hospice. By law, the decision belongs to the patient. We are available anytime to discuss your options.
Should I wait for the physician to raise the subject of hospice?
You do not need to wait to discuss hospice care with a physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or friends. You have a right to be treated according to your wishes – and should make your wishes known.
Can hospice patients who show signs of recovery return to regular medical treatment?
Certainly. If the patient’s condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from Center for Hospice Care and return to therapy. If the discharged patient should later need to return to hospice care, Medicare and most private insurance will allow additional coverage for this purpose.
What does hospice admission involve?
First, we contact your physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate. You’ll be asked to sign consent and insurance forms. The “Hospice Election Form” states that you understand the care is palliative (aimed at pain relief and symptom control) rather than curative, and outlines services available.
Are changes in the home or special equipment needed?
We assess your needs and make the arrangements to obtain the necessary equipment. In general, we will assist in any way we can to make home care as convenient and safe as possible.
How many family members or friends are needed to care for a patient at home?
There is no set number. Your individualized care will address the amount of caregiving needed. Hospice personnel visit regularly and are always accessible to answer medical questions and provide support.
What specific assistance does hospice provide home-based patients?
A team consisting of a doctor, nurses, social workers, aides, chaplains, therapists and volunteers cares for our patients. We also provide medications, supplies and equipment.
Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?
Hospice neither hastens nor postpones the dying process. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during the time of birth, the hospice team provides specialized knowledge to help you live your last chapter of life as fully as possible.
Is the patient′s home the only place hospice care can be delivered?
No. Although over 90 percent of our care is provided in a personal residence, some patients live in assisted living, nursing homes, or should the need arise, in one of our two area Inpatient Units, Esther’s House located on our Elkhart Campus and the Ernestine M. Raclin House located on our Mishawaka Campus.
How does hospice manage pain?
Hospice is a philosophy of care which believes that emotional and spiritual pain is just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so we address them all. Our doctors and nurses are up-to-date on the latest therapies for pain and symptom relief. Physical and occupational therapists may assist you to be as mobile and self-sufficient as possible, and they are joined by specialists in massage and diet counseling.
Will medications prevent patients from being able to talk or know what’s happening?
Not usually. We’ve seen how keeping patients pain-free and alert enables the last phase of life to be a time of healing and peace.
What is Center for Hospice Care’s success rate in battling pain?
Very high. Using some combination of medications, counseling and therapies, most patients can be kept pain-free and comfortable.
How is hospice paid for?
Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance cover all services and supplies for the hospice patient, and Center for Hospice Care does not require any Medicare co-payments.
What if I’m not covered by Medicare or other health insurance?
Center for Hospice Care will provide for anyone who can’t pay thanks to the generous contributions from our donors.
Is hospice affiliated with any religious organization?
No. While some churches and religions have started hospices (sometimes in connection with their hospitals), Center for Hospice Care serves a broad community and does not require patients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs.
Is there help for the family after the patient dies?
Center for Hospice Care provides continuing contact and support for family and friends for at least a year following the death of a loved one. Knowing the struggles of learning to live again without a person in your life, our bereavement support is available to anyone in our community, regardless if their loved ones were in our care or not.
How difficult is caring for a dying loved one?
It is never easy and sometimes may be quite hard. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be long and lonely. We have staff available around the clock to call for support, including night visits if the need arises.
Do you offer specialized programs for specific diseases?
Yes, we've developed three innovative programs for common diagnoses: HeartWize for advanced heart disease, BreatheEazy for COPD, and DementiaCare for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. These programs include regularly scheduled visits by staff with specialized training in disease-specific evaluation and symptom management, along with emotional, spiritual, and complementary approaches to care.
Do you provide hospice care for children and infants?
Absolutely. Our pediatric hospice and palliative care team focuses on improving the quality of life for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with serious advanced illnesses. Depending on the health care plan, children 20 years of age or younger may be eligible for concurrent care, which allows them to receive both hospice and curative treatment simultaneously. We also offer perinatal palliative care for families who learn during pregnancy that their baby has a potentially life-limiting condition.
Can I volunteer with Center for Hospice Care, and what opportunities are available?
Yes, volunteers play a vital role in our organization! Opportunities include patient companionship, veteran-to-veteran support, end-of-life doulas, bereavement support callers, pet care assistance, clerical work, fundraising help, and serving as activity volunteers or buddies at Camp Evergreen for grieving children. We also need vigil volunteers to provide on-call support to patients in extended care facilities who are actively dying. All volunteers receive thorough training before beginning service.
What grief support programs do you offer for children and teens?
We offer several specialized programs for young people, including a Children's Grief Support Group (ages 6-12) and a Teen's Grief Support Group (ages 13-18). We also host Camp Evergreen, an annual camping activity where children and teens who've experienced loss can meet others their age, release emotions through outdoor activities, and learn it's okay to have fun and continue enjoying life. All bereavement services are provided at no charge to anyone in our nine-county service area.
What happens to my pet if I can no longer care for them during my illness?
Through our Pet Peace of Mind program, we help patients keep their beloved pets at home. Our specially trained volunteers and financial resources can assist with pet food purchases, veterinary visits, walking, litter box cleaning, and other pet care tasks. We understand the important bond between patients and their pets, and if it's not feasible to keep pets at home, we'll work with pet rescue organizations and foster homes for placement.
Are there special programs for grieving parents who have lost an adult child?
Yes, we recognize that the death of an adult child is a unique type of loss. We offer a dedicated support group specifically for parents who have experienced the death of their adult child. We also have groups for other specific types of loss, including Loss After Addiction for those who've lost a loved one to overdose or substance abuse, and Young Widows and Widowers (age 55 and under). All groups are facilitated by licensed counselors or trained volunteers.
What services does Center for Hospice Care offer?
Center for Hospice Care provides hospice, pediatric hospice and palliative care, bereavement programs, inpatient care, and perinatal palliative care.
How can I contact Center for Hospice Care for assistance or inquiries?
You can contact Center for Hospice Care by phone at +1 574-243-3100 or email at contact@cfhcare.org.
Are nurses available around the clock at Center for Hospice Care?
Yes, nurses are available 24/7 to provide continuous care and support.
Is hospice care provided only at a patient’s home?
No, while over 90% of care is provided at a personal residence, hospice care can also be delivered in assisted living, nursing homes, or inpatient units such as Esther’s House and Ernestine M. Raclin House.
How is pain managed for hospice patients at Center for Hospice Care?
The hospice team addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual pain using medications, counseling, therapies, and specialists such as physical therapists, massage therapists, and diet counselors.
Does Center for Hospice Care offer support programs for grieving children and teens?
Yes, they offer Children’s and Teen’s Grief Support Groups and an annual Camp Evergreen for young people who have experienced loss, all at no charge within their nine-county service area.
Can I volunteer with Center for Hospice Care, and what opportunities are available?
Yes, volunteers can assist with patient companionship, veteran support, end-of-life doulas, bereavement support, pet care, clerical work, fundraising, and more, with thorough training provided.
What nearby facilities can help with advanced care planning or inpatient hospice care?
The Center for Education & Advance Care Planning helps with care planning, and inpatient hospice care is available at Ernestine M. Raclin House nearby.
Are there convenient places nearby for families and patients to enjoy before or after visits?
Yes, Central Park offers a local attraction for recreation and relaxation before or after visits to Center for Hospice Care.
How can nearby medical centers assist patients and families of Center for Hospice Care?
Nearby medical centers like Everside Health City Of Mishawaka Clinic and Activate Health provide additional health services and can coordinate with hospice care providers for comprehensive support.