Hunterdon Hospice
At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. (NHPCO)
For over forty years, Hunterdon Hospice has been providing end-of-life care and support services to individuals and their families in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset & Warren counties. We are a part of the Hunterdon Health System and the only community-based hospice in Hunterdon County. This gives us direct access to a collective group of healthcare professionals and resources, dedicated to providing an individualized plan of care. This care is based on the hospice philosophy, which emphasizes comfort and quality of life — not the length of life. Our goal is to help you make each day the best that it can be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your physician and our Medical Director work with the hospice team to ensure your needs are met.
All hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances. Hospice does not turn away anyone, even if there is no reimbursement for services.
Hospice care is provided primarily in your own home. Most people want to be at home surrounded by loved ones and in a familiar setting when they are seriously ill. For some people, their home is an assisted living or nursing facility. We provide the same services wherever the person lives.
Hunterdon Hospice provides service to people of all ages, including children. We recognize the unique needs of children and their families during this difficult time.
The focus of Hospice care is comfort and quality of life. The hospice nurses work closely with your doctors to review all medications to ensure you have what you need to treat your illness with the focus being on symptom management. There are occasions when a new medication may be ordered, as well as times when a medication may be discontinued. The nurse will provide information on all your medications so that you are always completely informed.
The earlier hospice care is initiated, the sooner pain and symptoms can be controlled. The best time to initiate hospice is soon after diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. Hospice focuses on quality of life and support to family and caregivers. The latest statistics show that people receiving hospice services live longer than those receiving just customary treatment.
These signs may help you determine the best time for hospice:
- When an illness has progressed to the point where the focus is on comfort and there is no cure.
- When a person chooses to stop treatment or does not want treatment or further testing for a serious illness.
- When a person wants care at home and not continual hospitalizations.
Of course, you should talk to your doctor about your wishes, and ask for advice to help you determine when hospice is right for you.
Hospice services are not just for the patient. Hospice provides emotional support for the caregiver as well. These supports are individually provided. For example, the volunteer program can provide relief to the family so they can take the time to go out or take care of their own needs.
We offer information regarding community resources as well. Caregivers and families have the support of aides to assist with personal care. Families know they can call a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
While there are many hospice organizations serving the area, Hunterdon Hospice has been providing services in Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset, and Mercer counties for more than 30 years. Our staff averages 20 years of experience in hospice care and most of our nurses are certified in hospice and palliative care.
Hunterdon Hospice’s Medical Director is certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and our Social Workers are Master’s prepared and licensed social workers. Our Chaplain has a Master of Divinity and we have more than 150 trained volunteers. Our staff lives and works in your community, which ensures a prompt response to your needs.
We are affiliated with Hunterdon Health and have collaborative relationships with local nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Hunterdon County.
