General Information About Hospice Care
Hospice care keeps patients comfortable in their final stages of life.
Hospice care focuses on keeping patients comfortable in the last stages of life. This means managing pain and other symptoms, and offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support. Hospice helps patients make choices about their care and treatment. Our team provides care, wherever they call home, in a familiar and private setting.
Hospice is for people with an illness that gives them six months or less to live (if the illness follows the usual course). Hospice care focuses on comfort, not curing the illness. We use a caring team approach to meet each patient’s needs and provide support for the caregiver.
Hospice East Bay is a not-for-profit agency that provides end-of-life care and family support.
We provide end-of-life care for people who are seriously ill while supporting their caregiver emotionally and spiritually. We train family members to care for their loved ones, with our team supporting them every step of the way. As a non-profit, we accept all qualified patients, no matter their insurance or ability to pay. Our goal is to give the best care possible to both patients and their families. Our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Starting hospice care early helps provide better comfort and support.
Patients go through physical, emotional, and spiritual stages after receiving a diagnosis of a serious illness. Ideally, the earlier patients start hospice, the more time we have to provide support. If we have less time, we do our best to keep you comfortable and support your loved ones. [link to new page]
Medicare, Medi-Cal, and insurance usually cover hospice care costs.
Most hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medi-Cal (Medicaid in other states), and private insurance. These programs usually cover all or most of the costs, including medical care, medications, and equipment related to the terminal illness. For patients without insurance or those facing financial challenges, Hospice East Bay offers care through charitable donations, grants, and fundraising efforts to ensure no one is denied care due to inability to pay. [link to new page]
Getting started with hospice is as easy as making a phone call.
You, your doctor, or a family member can call us anytime, 24/7. Consultations are free and scheduled at your convenience.
Services and Care Provided
Our care team provides the following services for free:
Medical care, with help from your doctor and our hospice team
- Medications and equipment for your illness
- Nursing visits as needed, 24/7
- Help with bathing, grooming, and light housework
- Grief and spiritual counseling for you and your family
- Volunteer help so caregivers can take breaks
- Insurance billing to Medicare, Medi-Cal, and private insurers
- Help with advance planning and family discussions
- Extra visits and 24/7 phone support as needed
Hospice services are provided in your place of residence.
Our team visits you wherever you call home, whether you live in a house, apartment, or care facility.
You can continue seeing your own doctor with hospice care.
Our hospice team works with your doctor to provide care that is consistent with your goals and values.
Bruns House offers intensive, short-term care in a homelike setting.
If your symptoms cannot be managed at home, you may receive short-term, intensive care at Bruns House, our inpatient facility. This special place offers 24/7 nursing care, daily visits from a hospice doctor or nurse, and six private rooms in a quiet, home-like environment. It’s designed to support both patients and families during challenging moments and can be discussed as an option with your hospice nurse. [link to new page]
Your hospice care team includes:
- Your doctor (or one of ours)
- Hospice Medical Director
- Registered Nurse Case Manager
- Medical Social Worker
- Spiritual Care Counselor
- Licensed Vocational Nurse
- Hospice Aide
- Pharmacist
- Bereavement Counselor
- Volunteers
Support for Patients and Families
Grief counseling is available for family members of hospice patients.
Our experienced counselors offer support through phone calls, personal visits, and group meetings. We also provide special groups for children, teens, and adults. [link to new page]
Hospice East Bay provides limited support for the End-of-Life Option Act (EOLOA).
We recognize that the EOLOA is an option for eligible patients. However, our doctors do not prescribe medications under this law. They may act as consulting doctors if they choose. Our team can provide emotional and spiritual support, but cannot assist in preparing or giving the medications.
