Hospice
Care Central VNA & Hospice understands how hearing about a life-limiting diagnosis for you or a loved one can be stressful. We want to reassure you that you are not alone; our Hospice experts can help guide you through every step when dealing with a life-limiting illness. Please call us to discuss options for care that are available to you, your friend or family in the community.
We build healthy communities by delivering high quality healthcare and support in the homes and neighborhoods of Massachusetts.
The help and concern that Hospice showed to our Mother in her final time and assistance given to our family is greatly appreciated. You have outstanding people working in your organization and they should all be commended.
What is Hospice?
Hospice is a program for those facing a life-limiting illness. The focus of care changes from a curative approach to one of pain and symptom management. It is about living each day by enhancing quality of life with compassionate support to meet patient goals.
When is the right time to consider Hospice care?
Hospice can be considered when the goal of care changes to managing symptoms. Your physician determines that a life-limiting illness has a prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course. Services are available for all ages and patients do not need to be homebound. The best time to learn about Hospice is before you need it.
Where is Hospice care provided?
Care Central VNA & Hospice provides end-of-life care in your home, a caregiver’s home, hospital, group home, nursing home or assisted living facility within our service area.
Who is available to help with care?
Our compassionate team promotes the well-being of you and your caregivers. Each member of the team brings a special set of skills in your care and support. The team includes:
- Your Physician
- Care Central VNA & Hospice Medical Director
- Nurses
- Social Workers
- Pastoral/Spiritual Counselors
- Home Health Aides
- Physical and Occupational
- Therapists
- Volunteers
- Bereavement Counselors/Support
What types of services are available?
- Education for caregivers on how to provide care.
- Provision of medication, medical supplies and equipment related to the illness.
- Professional management of symptoms to keep you as comfortable as possible.
- Comprehensive emotional and spiritual support for you and your caregivers.
- Personal care, light homemaking and assistance with activities of daily living.
- Companionship by trained volunteers.
- Short-term inpatient care is available if symptoms become too difficult to manage at home.
- Bereavement services for caregivers for up to 12 months after the loss of a loved one.
Remembrance
Care Central is committed to keeping with our long tradition of offering our annual Remembrance Service. Please take a moment to view our photos from our 2023 Remembrance Services.
Gardner – Holiday Remembrance Service held December 6th 2023 at St Paul’s Church in Gardner Ma with the Hospice Team and The Rev Tim Crellin
Webster – Holiday Remembrance Service held December 1st 2023 at Oxford United Methodist Church with the Hospice Team and Pastor Barry Judd
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover Hospice care?
Hospice care is a fully covered benefit under Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans. Contact Care Central VNA & Hospice if you have any questions regarding insurance coverage or your plan.
What if I live alone?
Patients who live alone can elect their Hospice benefit. The Hospice team will need to develop a plan to prepare for the time when more care is needed. The first priority is home safety and if this is not possible, we would provide options for care in a different setting.
What is not covered by Hospice?
The Hospice program is unable to cover any medical specialty appointments such as labs, ER stays or hospitalizations unless they are arranged by Hospice. The main goal of Hospice is to keep you comfortable where you live.
How does Care Central VNA & Hospice help caregivers who are grieving?
Free support groups are offered in the community and other services and resources are provided to assist those in the grieving process.
Why should I choose Care Central VNA & Hospice?
Our Hospice program is the area’s first and most experienced program. We are a non-profit, mission driven agency. We have served our communities needs since 1906. We are your local agency and responsive to your needs. Our staff is part of your community.
How do I receive more information about Hospice?
We welcome your questions regarding Hospice care and how it can benefit you or a loved one facing a life-limiting illness. For more information, please call Care Central VNA & Hospice at (978) 632-1230. An appointment can be arranged to provide a free informational visit to discuss our Hospice program and how it can benefit you and your family.
I send my deepest and lasting gratitude to the wonderful team that cared for my husband and our family too. The help, guidance and loving care we received is beyond my ability to thank you enough. You are amazing people and I am honored to have met you one and all! Thank you!
Our Service Area
Ashburnham
Ashby
Athol
Auburn
Ayer
Barre
Belchertown
Blackstone
Boylston
Brimfield
Brookfield
Charlton
Clinton
Douglas
East Brookfield
Erving
Fitchburg
Gardner
Grafton
Groton
Hardwick
Holden
Holland
Hopedale
Hubbardston
Lancaster
Leicester
Leominster
Lunenburg
Milford
Millbury
Millville
Monson
New Braintree
New Salem
North Brookfield
Oakham
Orange
Oxford
Palmer
Paxton
Petersham
Phillipston
Princeton
Royalston
Rutland
Shirley
Shrewsbury
Southbridge
Spencer
Sterling
Sturbridge
Sutton
Templeton
Townsend
Upton
Uxbridge
Wales
Ware
Warren
Warwick
Webster
Wendell
West Boylston
West Brookfield
Westminster
Winchendon
Worcester
For towns not listed, please call us for more information.
Palliative Care
Living with a serious illness can be overwhelming for both you and your caregiver(s). Palliative Care is specialized medical care for individuals facing this challenge, with the goal of improving their quality of life. Palliative Care is focused on providing individuals with relief from the symptoms and the stress of a serious illness. It is appropriate at any age and at any state of a serious, life-limiting illness, and can be provided in conjunction with curative treatment.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are always looking for caring, committed individuals willing to volunteer their time and effort to helping others. If you are interested in making a difference in the health and well-being of your community, please contact us at 978-632-1230. Care Central VNA & Hospice is committed to our volunteers and offers training to fully prepare you for this wonderful experience.
Office Hours:
24/7 availability
Care Central VNA & Hospice Office Hours
8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Monday through Friday
Beyond office hours, including weekends and holidays, administrative and nursing staff are available 24/7 and may be reached by calling the answering service at:
978-632-1230