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Hospice Care
What’s Hospice Care?
The goal of hospice is to support and care for individuals who are dying of incurable disease so that people may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice recognizes dying as part of the normal process of living, and focuses on maintaining quality of life and dignity. Hospice affirms life, it neither hastens nor postpones death. Patients and families can access hospice care without a physician referral.
Hospice Services
Rely on Essentia for resources, attention, and care personalized to you and your loved ones’ needs. Receive any or all the following:
- Companionship from trained volunteers
- Education
- Family support
- Medical supply, equipment, and medication management
- Nursing care
- Nutritional support
- Pain and symptom management (also known as palliative care)
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Spiritual counseling
Your Hospice Care Team
You and your family will be the focus of a care team that includes your primary care doctor, nurses, social workers, and counselors.
Home Hospice Care & Hospice Centers
Receive hospice care in the setting that’s best for you and your family. Essentia Health provides care throughout Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin in:
- Your home
- Independent and assisted living centers
- Skilled nursing and long-term care centers
- Essentia hospitals
- Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN – A dedicated hospice care facility where Essentia hospice staff provide end-of-life care in a warm and serene setting
If you move from one living situation to another, count on the hospice team at Essentia Health to support your transition so you continue to receive exceptional care.
Support for Caregivers
If you’re caring for a loved one receiving hospice care, lean on Essentia’s skilled professionals for:
- Education and information you need to make difficult end-of-life decisions
- Emotional support
- Grief and bereavement support
- Help caring for your loved one at home or in a health care facility
- Respite services
Hospice Care Costs
Many private health insurance plans cover hospice care, and Essentia Health accepts the following insurance. If you or your loved one is over 65, you’re entitled to hospice services through the Medicare Hospice Benefit. Medicaid covers hospice care in many cases.
You can count on the staff at Essentia to explain your financial options and provide billing support services.
Volunteer
Help us bring care and comfort to hospice patients and their families. Volunteer at Essentia.
Advance Care Planning
Learn about Essentia Health’s resources for creating an advance directive—a written statement of your treatment preferences.