Why should I choose hospice care?

Hospice care provides services that can not be received in any other setting. You will have a team of knowledgeable and concerned professionals dedicated to your care and your family’s wellbeing. We will assure you have the best medical care possible and your loved ones are well supported.

When should hospice care be considered?

At any time during a life-limiting illness, both the patient and their family members need to be aware of all of the options of care, including hospice.

Arkansas Hospice staff members recognize that it is normal to feel uncomfortable about discussing the possibility of stopping aggressive and curative procedures, and are sensitive to your concerns. We are always available to assist patients and families with these discussions. While there is no pressure to make immediate decisions, it is not uncommon for our families to say they wish they had chosen hospice care sooner.

Is hospice only for patients with cancer?

Hospice care is available for anyone with a life expectancy of six months or less. Only about half of hospice patients have a cancer diagnosis. Other terminal illnesses include end-stage heart disease, lung disease, dementia, ALS and others. Also, many elderly patients receive hospice care as a result of age-related complications.

What if a patient lives longer than six months?

None of us know exactly how long we will live. A physician will routinely assess the patient’s illness and if the prognosis continues to be “terminal,” the patient may continue with hospice care indefinitely.

How does hospice care improve pain relief?

Hospice care sets the standard internationally in identifying and treating pain. Pain control is the number one goal of the hospice team. Patients who suffer from a terminal illness need not suffer additionally by severe physical pain. The patient and/or family are included in decisions regarding types of pain medications. Hospice utilizes the most advanced, comprehensive techniques for pain control, while allowing the patient to be as alert as possible.

What will happen if the family is unable to care for the patient, or if there is no caregiver at home?

While studies show that most terminally ill patients desire to be home during this time of life, we recognize that many times this is simply not possible. Arkansas Hospice provides care in the home, nursing home, assisted living facility, or in one of our inpatient hospice centers.

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.