Long-term care facilities provide care for people who require assistance with activities of daily living and who are no longer able to function independently. The long-term care facility or nursing home becomes the home for these residents.

When residents enter the final part of their life's journey, the hospice care required becomes more focused and highly specialized. Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice works in partnership with the resident, family, and the nursing home staff to address the needs and goals of care.

The Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice interdisciplinary team consists of nurses, social workers, chaplains, health care aides, medical director and specially trained volunteers who provide expertise in end-of-life care. Together the team provides comprehensive support addressing pain control, symptom management, and psychosocial and spiritual issues in partnership with the nursing home staff.

Questions? Contact Vickie Hardiman.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my loved one live in a nursing home and still receive hospice care?

How can Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice be helpful when my loved one is already receiving 24-hour care in the long-term care facility?

Does Medicare pay for my nursing home care?

Will the Medicare Hospice Benefit apply when my loved one is residing in a nursing home?

Can Hospice assist me in finding long-term care for my loved one?

How will I know the nursing facility provides good care?

Can my loved one live in a nursing home and still receive hospice care?

Yes, hospice services are not dependent on location. Many people are unable to stay at home and the nursing home becomes their permanent residence. Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice staff work as a partner in care with the staff in the long-term care facility.

How can Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice be helpful when my loved one is already receiving 24-hour care in the long-term care facility?

Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice provides many additional benefits beyond the care provided by the long-term care facility. Some of those benefits include:

• Interdisciplinary team expertise in end of life care
• Health care aides to complement long-term care staff in providing personal care
• Clinicians trained to assess and intervene in complicated family dynamics
• Full-time medical director certified in hospice and palliative medicine
• Chaplains trained to provide spiritual guidance
• Volunteers for companionship and for family caregiver relief
• Bereavement follow-up for all ages
• Consultant on ethical issues

Does Medicare pay for my nursing home care?

Generally, Medicare does not pay for long-term care. If your income and assets are limited, the state may be able to help you pay. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, most health care costs are covered. You may also qualify for the Medicaid nursing home benefit. Call your county Social and Rehabilitation Services office for more information.

Will the Medicare Hospice Benefit apply when my loved one is residing in a nursing home?

The Medicare Hospice Benefit can be used for hospice services if the hospice has a contract with the nursing home. Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice continues to provide medical needs related to the terminal illness:

• Medication
• Durable medical equipment
• Medical supplies
• 24 hour on call availability
• Interdisciplinary expertise in end-of-life care
• Bereavement follow-up for all ages

Can Hospice assist me in finding long-term care for my loved one?

Your Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice social worker can help you think about the care giving options available to you in the community. Anyone who is planning to move to a nursing facility will need to have a CARE assessment prior to admission. CARE (Client Assessment, Referral and Evaluation) is a free assessment program designed to help people find appropriate long-term care services. For more information on obtaining a CARE assessment, talk with your hospice social worker or call your local Area Agency on Aging.

How will I know the nursing facility provides good care?

The Kansas Department on Aging recommends you take the following steps to help locate a nursing home that meets your expectations: 

• Ask to see the most recent state survey report.  All nursing facilities are surveyed annually by the state. The nursing facilities are required by law to allow you to see a copy of the State Survey Report.
• Visit the nursing facility several times. One visit should be scheduled and another visit should be random. Find out about facility size, staffing ratio, and special services.
• Ask about payment options. You need to know the cost before you decide which nursing facility to select.
• Collect as much information as possible. Talk to staff at the nursing facility, your Area Agency on Aging or your local SRS office.