Mercy HospiceCompassionate Hospice Care for Cardiac Patients

SPR_28538 (11/30/16)

Mercy’s Cardiac Hospice Program gives patients with advanced heart disease options for managing care at home.

Hospice care may be appropriate for individuals with chronic cardiac conditions if:• Symptoms can no longer be managed by heart medications

and are becoming more frequent, even at rest.• Re-hospitalization or ED visits are no longer desired.• Care in the home setting is preferred.

Our Cardiac Hospice Program is designed to meet the needs of the patient and their family. Services include:• Management of the patient’s cardiac condition and

monitoring of cardiac symptoms with care oversight by the attending physician and/or our medical director.

• Support and disease management by our nurses, chaplains and social workers.

• Coordination of medications with the patient’s physician and/or cardiovascular specialist.

• Pain and cardiac symptom management to reduce discomfort and anxiety.

• Cardiac medications and equipment covered under the Hospice Medicare Benefit.

• Placement of oxygen and cardiac medications, in the home to be administered as ordered by the physician to avoid trips to the ED.

• Support by trained volunteers for companionship.• Respite care when necessary to provide relief for

fatigued caregivers.

Studies have shown that hospice care for patients with congestive heart failure may contribute to increased life expectancy (source: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization).

If the patient’s health improves and they no longer meet hospice eligibility criteria, the patient is discharged and may re-enter Hospice at a later time.

Hospice is about living. Our cardiac hospice program is specifically designed to help patients and their families achieve the best quality of life possible.

For more information, please contact Mercy Hospice:MISSOURISpringfield: 417-820-7550 or 800-330-8304 Cassville: 417-847-6099 or 866-293-1507Lebanon: 417-588-5900 or 877-500-9500Joplin: 417-623-8164 or 800-638-7073

HOSPICE REFERRAL INTAKE800-820-7552 or 800-330-8304 | 417-820-7426 fax

Visit us at Mercy.net/417hospice

Your life is our life’s work.

mercy.net