Hospice FAQs

Families are often advised to seek out hospice care once a physician gives a patient six months or less to live. There is no exact answer as to when you should call, as every family and patient is unique. Hospice of Health First can help you get the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your family.

Hospice care typically starts as soon as a physician makes a referral or order. Hospice of Health First will contact your family and services will typically begin within a day or two. In urgent or emergency situations, hospice services will begin sooner. 

Hospice services are covered by Medicaid, Medicare, most private insurance plans, and other managed care plans. Hospice of Health First is a not-for-profit organization and will never turn anyone away for inability to pay.

The Medicare hospice benefit covers care, medication, equipment, respite stays, and physician visits relating to the hospice diagnosis. Read more about Medicare hospice benefits. 

Palliative care is specialized medical care designed to support those living with a serious illness. By providing relief from the pain and stress that often accompany both diseases and treatments, palliative care aims to improve quality of life. 

Learn more about our Palliative Care program.

Yes, Hospice of Health First is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us anytime at 321.434.1744.

Hospice care is about quality of life. When hope for a cure is no longer possible, we provide your or your loved ones with the medical care, emotional support, and spiritual comfort they need.

Hospice care is for anyone who has a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live. This includes cancer and also Alzheimer's disease, cardiac disease, ALS, stroke, and liver disease.

Hospice care is for all patients in the final stages of life,  including children and adults of all age groups.

Meeting the needs of the patient and their family is our top priority. We know  family is at the center of all decision-making. We support all of the patient’s caregivers as we work to provide the patient with individualized care and comfort.

Hospice care can be provided anywhere you live, including:

• Your own home
• Nursing care facility
• Assisted living facility
• Hospital room

Inpatient hospice services are available at all Health First hospitals and the William Childs Hospice House.

Hospice of Health First physicians and staff work closely with your regular doctors to put together a comprehensive plan of care.

The William Childs Hospice House was named by Madeline Childs in memory of her husband, William, who passed away while in the care of Hospice of Health First in February of 2002. Over $4 million in community donations went into building the charming Key West style facility. 

Our 16-bed inpatient facility was the first freestanding hospice facility in Brevard for: 

• Patients who require more intensive skilled nursing care and symptom management in a supervised setting
• Patients who are declining without a caregiver or who live in an unstable home situation
• Patients who require up to a five-day respite stay

If you're interested in donating to the William Childs Hospice House or to the programs and services of Hospice of Health First, please contact the Health First Foundation by calling 321.434.7353 or email us at foundation@hf.org.

Hospice of Health First has a dedicated team of professionals who would be happy to speak to your group about a variety of hospice-related topics such as:

• Bereavement support
• Hospice 101
• Advance directives
• Pet therapy

and more! 

Please call us at 321.434.1744 to learn more or to schedule a speaking engagement.