Hospice care is a philosophy—a set of attitudes—that respects human life from beginning to end. It offers an environment of hope that symptoms can be managed, fears diminished, questions answered and loneliness eased.

Those with a progressive and advanced disease with a limited life expectancy of six months or less are eligible to participate in St. Cloud Hospital’s Hospice Program. A referral to our program can be made by your physician, you or your family. Families and significant others assume primary responsibility for patient care.

Most insurers cover hospice care. Hospice care charges will be submitted to your insurance company (Medicare, Medicaid and/or private insurance). No one will be denied hospice services because of inability to pay.

Goals of hospice care include:

• keeping patients as comfortable as possible
• assisting families in providing home care if desired
• encouraging and assisting patients and families to live rich, full lives until death
• providing families with emotional and spiritual support as they cope with the impact of a loved one’s advancing disease
• offering education, respite and friendship to patients and families.

Hospice Team
Hospice uses the combined specialties of a team of health care professionals to assist individuals who are in the final stages of life. The focus of care is the patient and family as a unit. The specially trained hospice team consists of a medical director, nurses, social workers, a chaplain and home health aides. Physical, occupational or speech therapists may also participate in the care based on patient need.

Volunteer Opportunities
Hospice volunteers are an integral part of the hospice team. They provide a caring presence, companionship and respite. Hospice volunteers may be utilized in many ways, including supportive listening, picking up medications or performing personal errands for patients or family members. Respite care is an important volunteer function, allowing family members to take time for themselves. Volunteer coordinators work closely with families and patients to match their specific needs with volunteer services. For more information about hospice volunteer opportunities, please contact Hospice Services at (320) 259-9375 or St. Cloud Hospital Volunteer Services at (320) 251-2700, ext. 55638.

Area Served
St. Cloud Hospital Hospice Program provides services to patients and families living within a 35-mile radius of St. Cloud, MN.

Accreditation
St. Cloud Hospital Hospice Services is licensed by the state of Minnesota, certified by Medicare and accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations.

Helpful Resources
End-of-Life Care
Caregiver