A Place of Comfort, Rest, and Compassion
The word "hospice" can be traced back to medieval times and refers to a place of rest for weary or ill travelers on a long journey. Today, hospice is used as a place of comfort and rest at the end of a person’s long journey of life.
For the past 25+ years, the ACMC Hospice Suite has been that place of comfort and rest. Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment.
We understand that facing a terminal illness is a very personal experience, and every patient and family have unique needs during their final days. Patients and families are included in the plan of care. We provide day-to-day medical, physical and spiritual care according to your wishes. Our home-like environment allows our team to focus on the person, not the disease.
Our focus extends beyond the patient. We provide relief to family members and friends who are caring for a terminally ill loved one. The ACMC Hospice Suite can be a place of solace for family and friends who are also suffering during this emotional time.
Partners in care
We urge our patients to be partners in determining the level of care, especially when it comes to pain management. A variety of pain treatment options are available and should be discussed with Caregivers and loved ones.
Hospice Medical Team
ACMC’s interdisciplinary care team brings together a group of Caregivers who focus on patient, family, and spiritual care. Our team of Caregivers includes:
- Physicians who monitor treatment plans and medications
- Dedicated Hospice nurses and aides
- Pharmacists
- Social Workers and counselors, who offer emotional support, assess needs, and provide links to community services available outside the hospital
- Chaplains, for spiritual care
Admission to Hospice
Hospice care is available to any terminally ill patient:
- When a patient’s physician believes hospice is appropriate.
- When a patient, family, and physician are no longer seeking a cure, but want to ensure quality of life while easing symptoms using a medically-monitored treatment plan.
Exceptional Medical Care
Physicians, nurses and pharmacists control pain and manage symptoms, supply medications, monitor drug interactions and provide medical supplies and equipment. Medical options will be discussed with you – allowing you, or your loved one, to determine your preferred course of care.
Insurance and Planning
Navigating financial matters can cause tremendous stress at this time. Social Workers will help you with insurance paperwork and other complex financial matters. They will also discuss decisions regarding future medical care, a living will, choosing a healthcare surrogate and organ donation.
Spiritual and Emotional Support
The staff and volunteers of ACMC’s Pastoral Care department are available to address spiritual and emotional issues, regardless of faith. With their support, you can find peace and comfort when it matters most.
What is Advanced Planning?
Advance directives are legal documents that you fill out to instruct and direct medical care if you are unable to communicate your own wishes due to a medical condition. In Ohio, such instructions include Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, living wills, and durable powers of attorney (including medical power of attorney). Advance planning documents can be downloaded via the link in the column to the right.