Hospice Care in Ascension Parish

Serving Patients Across Ascension Parish

Ascension Parish includes a wide range of communities and care settings. Our team is familiar with local healthcare providers, facilities, and resources, allowing care to begin quickly and continue smoothly.

Care is provided in:

• Private homes
• Assisted living communities
• Skilled nursing facilities

The care plan is coordinated with physicians, caregivers, and facility staff to ensure continuity and responsiveness.

What Our Hospice Care Services Include in Ascension Parish

Hospice care is appropriate when a physician determines that a patient is eligible and care goals focus on comfort rather than cure. Hospice services are designed to manage symptoms, support emotional and spiritual needs, and help families feel prepared and supported.

Hospice care may include:

• Physician-directed pain and symptom management
• Regular nursing visits and 24/7 on-call hospice support
• Assistance from hospice aides with personal care
• Emotional and spiritual support from social workers and chaplains
• Medications, medical supplies, and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis
• Bereavement support for family members

Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team and guided by the patient’s wishes and goals.

Palliative Care Support in Ascension Parish

Palliative care offers comfort-focused support for individuals living with serious illness, even while treatments continue. It is appropriate at any stage of illness and is based on symptom burden and support needs rather than prognosis.

Palliative care may help with:

• Pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or nausea
• Side effects from treatment
• Emotional stress and anxiety related to illness
• Complex medical decision-making and care coordination

For some patients, palliative care later transitions into hospice care. For others, it remains an added layer of support alongside ongoing treatment.

What Local Care Means for Families

Receiving care from a local hospice provider can make a meaningful difference during an already difficult time. Serving Ascension Parish allows our team to:

• Respond promptly to changes in condition
• Maintain consistent care teams familiar with the community
• Coordinate closely with local physicians and facilities
• Provide clear communication and reliable availability

This approach helps reduce uncertainty and supports continuity of care.

Support for Family Caregivers

Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. Hospice and palliative care services include education and guidance to help caregivers feel more confident and supported.

Support for caregivers may include:

• Training on symptom management and daily care
• Help understanding what to expect as illness progresses
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Access to 24/7 on-call guidance

Families are supported as partners in care, not left to manage alone.

When to Ask About Hospice or Palliative Care

Families in Ascension Parish often reach out when:

• Symptoms are increasing despite treatment
• Hospital visits are becoming more frequent
• Care needs are growing beyond what can be managed alone
• Comfort and quality of life have become a priority

Early conversations can provide clarity and help families understand available options without pressure.

Coverage and Referrals in Ascension Parish

Hospice services are typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans for eligible patients. Palliative care coverage may vary depending on the setting and services provided.

Referrals can come from physicians, hospitals, care facilities, or directly from families. Our team assists with eligibility questions, coordination, and next steps.

Supporting Ascension Parish Families Beyond Medical Care

Support does not end with symptom management. Hospice care also includes bereavement services for families following a death, helping loved ones navigate grief with ongoing support and resources.

Care is shaped around the needs of the patient and family, not a schedule or checklist.