How do I know if it is time for Hospice?
Hospice is appropriate for individuals who have a life-limiting or end stage chronic illness that is no longer responding to treatment; who are no longer seeking aggressive, curative care; and who want what time they have left to be more about quality than quantity.

What end stage diagnoses could make an individual eligible for Crossings Hospice?
End stage Cancer
End stage Cardiac, liver, lung or kidney disease
End stage Diabetes
End stage Alzheimer’s or
End stage DementiaALS or Parkinson’s Disease
End stage Neuromuscular Diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis or Muscular Dystrophy
End stage AIDS
End stage Stroke/ComaFailure to Thrive

What does the Crossings Hospice Team do for the patient?
Our specialized Crossings Hospice Team works with the patient’s primary care physician to ensure that the patient’s physical, emotional, spiritual and practical needs are met; and supports the family in its caregiving role.

How quickly can Crossings Hospice Care start?
Once the family or physician has made the referral to our VNA of Central PA Intake Department, and the patient’s physician certifies that Hospice care is appropriate, members of the Crossings Hospice Team can make arrangements with the patient and/or family to come to the home, hospital or assisted living facility to discuss the Hospice program and services. If the patient or family decides they want Hospice care, then the patient is admitted to Crossings Hospice.

What Does Medicare Provide?
· Physician oversight
· Nursing care (intermittent or 24 hour care)
· Durable Medical Equipment
· Medications for pain and symptom relief
· Short-term inpatient and respite care
· Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies as needed
· Medical Social Work support
· Spiritual and Bereavement Counseling
· Volunteer Assistance
· Home Health Aides and Homemaker services

What is not covered by Crossings Hospice?
Any curative or aggressive treatments or medications not ordered or recommended by your primary care physician.

Who can you call if you questions or concerns?
Nurses are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Crossings Hospice also has a Medical Social Worker and Spiritual Counselor who can assist with patient or caregiver issues or concerns.

What do we do once we've decided that Hospice care is needed?
To initiate care and support, call the VNA of Central PA and ask to speak to a member of our Crossings Hospice Team.