Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your Hospice located?

Hospice is not a place, rather a concept of care. Hospice services are usually delivered in your own home or in a nursing home.

Sometimes people facing the end of life require care beyond what a family can offer. At such times, The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale offers a comfortable place to call home. The home has eight private suites, each with its own bath and patio.

Is the six-month life expectancy set in stone?

No, it is not. Hospice Care is available to patients with a life-limiting illness for which they are not pursuing curative treatment. We review each patient every two weeks, with a detailed review as the patient nears the end of each Medicare benefit period, to determine if they continue to meet the criteria. Each patient is reviewed on this schedule, no matter what their payer source.

What do the social workers do?

They work side by side with other members of the Hospice Care team to meet the needs of the patient and family and maintain quality of life. Social workers are available for individual and family counseling to discuss and address any concerns the patient or family has while receiving hospice care. Social workers also assist in addressing needs like equipment, transportation, financial and home care.

If I begin Hospice Care, do I have to continue it?

No, Hospice is a choice — and not a final choice. If the disease process goes into remission, the diagnosis changes or you decide to pursue aggressive treatment, you are free to leave Hospice at any time. There, may, however, be insurance guidelines regarding returning to the program.

How do I make a contribution to HealthEast Hospice Care?

You can donate to Hospice through the HealthEast Foundation. The Dove Fund is a lasting way to honor a friend or loved one cared for by hospice. Click here to learn more.