Changing the focus from pursuing a cure to providing end-of-life care is not an easy discussion. However, it can be a great relief for patients and families to learn that they have choices in care, symptom and pain management, medical attention, support for loved ones, spiritual and emotional aid, and the option to stay at home. In addition, most people are not aware that hospice care is available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, and that it's a benefit provided to Medicare beneficiaries.

Hospice is not the macabre death house that many people envision. In fact, Metropolitan Hospice improves the quality of life during a loved one's final days by fulfilling the spiritual, psychological, and health care needs of both the patient and their family.

Caregivers, who are family members or other loved ones responsible for taking care of the hospice patient, may on occasion, need a break, or respite, from daily care giving. To give the caregiver relief, respite care may be provided in a Medicare-approved facility such as a freestanding hospice facility, a hospital, a nursing home or other long-term care facility, which is covered by Medicare for up to five days at a time.

Our Hospice serves the needs of the entire family. All Metropolitan Hospice bereavement programs are provided free of charge to families up to 13 months following the death of their loved one.