What is Hospice?
What is Hospice?
Hospice is a comprehensive, compassionate, holistic philosophy of care and support for those with a life-limiting illness and their caregivers. The goal of hospice is to alleviate pain and control symptoms with an emphasis on dignity and quality of life. The hospice care team surrounds the patient and family with a “circle of care” consisting of professionals focused on providing spiritual, social, emotional, and medical support. This approach ensures the decision-making process includes the patient and their caregivers, allowing greater control over their care.
Questions About Hospice
When is it time for hospice care?
Hospice care is appropriate when treatments are no longer effective or the patient has chosen not to pursue further testing and treatment. A patient may be referred for a hospice consult when their life expectancy is six months or less.
Who can receive hospice care?
Hospice care is available for individuals with a life-limiting illness when their provider believes they have a life expectancy of six months or less. At this time, the focus of care has shifted to comfort and symptom management.
How does someone initiate hospice care?
To speak with someone on the hospice team regarding in-home or inpatient hospice benefits, you or a member of your care team can contact Northern Light Home Care & Hospice at (800) 757-3326.
What services does hospice provide?
- Manages the patient’s pain and symptoms
- Assists the patient with the emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of dying
- Provides medicines, medical supplies, and equipment related to the patient’s diagnosis
- Teaches caregivers how to care for the patient
- Provides special services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and supportive therapies
- Provides short-term inpatient care when pain or symptoms become too difficult to manage at home or in a hospital setting
- Provides a 5-day respite inpatient stays per month, to support caregivers
- Offers 13 months of bereavement care and counseling to surviving family and friends.
What is not included in hospice care?
- Curative treatment and prescriptions unrelated to the qualifying diagnosis or significant comorbidities
- Life-prolonging treatments
- In-home 24/7 caregiver services
- Emergency Room visits and hospital admissions
- Lab tests and imaging
Where is hospice care provided?
Hospice care is provided “wherever you call home”. The most common place to receive hospice care is at a personal residence, understanding that hospice does not provide 24/7 care, and the patient will need alternative caregiver support. The interdisciplinary hospice team supports and supplements the care provided in a home setting. Hospice care is also frequently provided in long-term care and residential placement settings, assisted living communities, and inpatient units.
Who pays for hospice care?
Medicare and Medicaid cover 100% of hospice care. Many insurance plans have a hospice benefit included in their coverage. If you do not have insurance or are not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, our staff may be able to provide assistance in identifying resources. Northern Light Home Care & Hospice provides care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Eligibility and qualification can be discussed further with Northern Light Home Care & Hospice Intake at 1-800-757-3326.
HOSPICE CARE
Compassion & Guidance
Hospice Services
The hospice care team, the patient, and the family come together to create a plan of care that includes medical and support services. The services provided at the Aroostook House of Comfort are general inpatient care and inpatient respite care.
Care Team
Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, a local Medicare-certified agency, provides hands-on hospice care. Together with the Aroostook House of Comfort, we offer compassionate support to individuals and loved ones.
Accommodations
The Aroostook House of Comfort provides peace and tranquility in a home-like setting. Amenities include a private patient suite, access to a living room, kitchen, playroom, chapel, outdoor seating, gardens, and gazebo.
TESTIMONIALS
What People Say About Us
“Once Jim was admitted to the Aroostook House of Comfort, we both felt like a huge weight had literally been lifted off our shoulders. These angels on earth efficiently, compassionately, and lovingly allowed me to be Jim's wife rather than his primary caregiver. The doctors, nurses, aides, and volunteers took care of both of us. They also understood the importance of visitors, family, friends, and even our Golden Retriever Teddy. We were all treated with dignity and allowed to say goodbye as we lost Jim. There was no judgment, and I now think of many of the staff as friends. I have many stories to tell, but suffice it to say that I will forever be indebted to the Aroostook House of Comfort.”
Rosalie Dwyer
“We have a great appreciation for the staff, service, and care provided to our father and our entire family during his stay at the Aroostook House of Comfort. They were easy to work with and took care of every detail so that we could spend our father's final days together as a family. The AHOC staff is kind, compassionate, and cared for our father and all of us with dignity and respect. AHOC provided care for our family well beyond the passing of our father. We cannot thank them enough for what they did for us.”
Jeff Clockedile
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Your gift helps provide inpatient hospice care to the people of Aroostook County.
Latest News
Grief and the Holidays Seminar
Grieving a loss can make the holidays feel heavy. This free community seminar shares practical ways to cope, create gentle traditions, honor loved ones, and find support so you can move through the season with care.
Meet Our Board: Heidi Thompson
The Aroostook Hospice Foundation proudly welcomes Heidi Thompson to its Board of Directors. Her addition strengthens the board's resolve to foster compassionate care, comfort, dignity, and support when patient needs are greater than home hospice can provide.
Community Walks Together, Raises $68K for Hospice
The Aroostook Hospice Foundation's 3rd Annual Walk for Hospice raised over $68,000 for the Aroostook House of Comfort. Held at Caribou High School Track & Trails, 364 participants and 24 teams joined together to honor lives touched by hospice care. Mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Walk on September 12, 2026!