Question 1

What is hospice care?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Who pays for hospice care?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Is hospice a place?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

When is it time for hospice care?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is hospice only for cancer patients?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Can I keep my own doctor when choosing hospice?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Can you leave hospice care once you start?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What counties does Spirit Hospice of Georgia serve?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How do I contact Spirit Hospice of Georgia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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.

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