Hospice

Basic Hospice Concepts

• Hospice is a concept of care for those living with a terminal illness. 
• The 24-hour caregiver is provided through the family members, friends or private pay personnel. 
• Hospice neither hastens death nor prolongs life. Hospice seeks to have the remaining life to be of good quality.

Admission Criteria

Patients have a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its normal progression. A physician must certify that the disease is terminal. A primary caregiver, either a family member or a hired caregiver, must be available to the patient 24-hours a day, if a patient is unsafe alone. (If a primary caregiver is not available, Hospice care may be continued in a nursing facility.) 

Who Pays for Hospice?

Hillcrest Community Hospice is firmly committed to providing Hospice care for all individuals regardless of ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance cover Hospice care. Those who contribute to Hospice through donations are investing in the commitment to provide comfort care to the terminally ill in the community. As a non-profit organization, Hillcrest Community Hospice depends on charitable gifts, memorial funds and tribute donation as a valuable resource for patients. The annual fund-raiser is the Holiday Tree Lighting, "Light Up A Life," however, donations can be received throughout the year. If you would like to make a donation, please send the donations to Hillcrest Community Hospice at 3000 Herring Ave, Waco, Texas 76708.

The Hospice Interdisciplinary Team

One of the things that makes hospice unique is the provision of an interdisciplinary team.  We recognize that people have a variety of needs - physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Our team is dedicated to meeting all the needs of our patients and their families.