What is hospice care?

Hospice is a philosophy of care that treats the person rather than the disease and focuses on quality of life. It surrounds the patient and family with a team of professionals who address not only physical distress but emotional and spiritual needs as well.

Who pays for hospice care?

Hospice care is 100% covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. If the patient has Medicare and meets hospice eligibility requirements, there is no deductible and no copayment.

Hospice is not a place — it's a service. Spirit Hospice brings physical, emotional, and spiritual care and support to wherever our patients live, including private homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and other appropriate settings.

When is it time for hospice care?

Signs that it may be time for hospice include frequent ER visits or hospital admissions, a decline in the ability to perform daily activities (eating, dressing, walking), progressive weight loss, changes in mental abilities, or a significant increase in falls.

Is hospice only for cancer patients?

No. While many hospice patients have cancer, the majority today have other life-limiting illnesses such as end-stage heart, lung, or kidney disease, or Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Can I keep my own doctor when choosing hospice?

Yes. Your family doctor or specialist is encouraged to remain engaged in your care. Spirit Hospice's physician works closely with your existing doctor to determine the specific medical needs addressed in your personalized plan of care.

Can you leave hospice care once you start?

Yes. A person may leave the hospice program at any time for a variety of reasons, such as resuming aggressive curative treatment or pursuing experimental measures.

What counties does Spirit Hospice of Georgia serve?

Spirit Hospice serves patients and families across 23 counties in the greater Atlanta metro and North Georgia regions: Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Gordon, Gwinnett, Henry, Murray, Newton, Pickens, Rockdale, Walker, and Whitfield.

How do I contact Spirit Hospice of Georgia?

Spirit Hospice of Georgia is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us at 404-551-4205 or email info@spirithospicega.com. Our Marietta office is located at 1880 West Oak Parkway, Unit 104, Marietta, GA 30064. Our Calhoun office is at 1314 US-41, Calhoun, GA 30701.

Does Spirit Hospice provide bereavement support after a loved one passes?

Yes. Spirit Hospice's commitment to your family does not end at the time of passing. We provide grief counseling and bereavement support for up to 13 months after the loss of your loved one.

Calhoun & Gordon County, GA

Hospice care that feels like family, close to home.

We are your neighbors. Spirit Hospice provides compassionate, patient- and family-centered end-of-life care in the comfort of home, with a team that knows your name.

Call us now How hospice works

Questions are welcome at any time. There is no obligation, and asking about hospice does not mean giving up.

Care for the whole person, and the whole family

Our care plan is shaped around what matters most to your loved one, and we support the people caring for them too.

Comfort & symptom care

Nurses and physicians focus on pain and symptom relief so your loved one can feel as well as possible.

Care at home

Wherever home is: a private residence, assisted living, or a nursing facility. Aides, nurses, and equipment come to you.

Family & emotional support

Social workers, chaplains, and volunteers offer guidance and presence, honoring each family's beliefs and traditions.

Getting started is simple

Reach out
Call us, or ask your doctor, hospital, or care facility to refer you. Anyone can start the conversation.
Meet your team
A nurse visits to listen, answer questions, and explain what to expect, with no pressure.
Begin care
Together we build a personal care plan, and our team is just a phone call away day or night.

Why families choose Spirit

Spirit Hospice is locally owned and built on trust and compassion. You will not be handed off to a call center.

Locally owned, with leadership who know you by name
Care shaped by your family's wishes and beliefs
Support for caregivers, including respite options
Bereavement support for loved ones after a loss
Help understanding Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance coverage

Common questions

When is the right time to call?

Many families wish they had called sooner. You can reach out any time a serious illness is changing daily life. We will talk through whether hospice is appropriate now or later.

Does hospice mean giving up?

No. Hospice shifts the focus from cure to comfort and quality of life, and many patients feel better with added support at home.

Who pays for hospice?

Hospice is covered by Medicare and Medicaid for eligible patients, and many private insurers cover it as well. Our team can help you check your coverage.

Can we leave hospice if things change?

Yes. Patients can choose to leave hospice at any time and return later if eligible.