What is hospice care?

Hospice is a very special way of providing comprehensive heath care to patients and families who are facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice care assures patient and family comfort when a medical cure is no longer possible.

Is hospice a place?

No, hospice is not a place. It is a special way of caring for terminally ill patients. Hospice care is provided in patient’s homes, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and inpatient hospice centers.

Arkansas Hospice has contracts with over 40 nursing homes and the majority of hospitals in our service area. We also operate two inpatient hospice centers for patients who do not have a caregiver at home or whose illness can not be managed in any other setting.

Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?

NO! Hospice neither hastens death nor prolongs life, but enhances the quality of life for as long as life lasts. Arkansas Hospice provides care for the patient and supports the family throughout the course of the terminal illness.

Who will be my physician when hospice care starts?

All hospice care is directed by the patient’s physician. Additionally, Arkansas Hospice has a physician on staff at each of our service locations. Your family physician may continue to direct all of your care or the hospice physician may be consulted.

How is hospice care paid for?

Hospice is provided by Medicare, Medicaid, most private health insurance providers, private pay and charitable care. Arkansas Hospice is a community-based, non-profit hospice program that provides equal services to all, regardless of ability to pay.

How do I start hospice care?

If you or your family member is in need of hospice care, please visit our admissions section.

Are all hospice programs the same?

No. All hospice programs do specialize in care for the terminally ill. However, quality and extent of service may vary among providers. There are approximately 50 hospice providers in Arkansas alone. Some operate as for-profit systems, while others operate as not-for-profit organizations

Arkansas Hospice is a not-for-profit, community-based hospice program with standards that rank it among the strongest hospice programs in the nation. Our sole purpose is to provide you and your family with quality, compassionate care.