HOSPICE SERVICES

We are all just walking each other home. - Ram Dass

Hospice Care Services for Aroostook County

 

 

The Aroostook House of Comfort, situated centrally in Aroostook County and recognized as the sole inpatient hospice facility north of Augusta, is owned by the Aroostook Hospice Foundation. Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, the longest-serving Medicare-certified hospice agency in Aroostook County, oversees the hands-on hospice care and staffing. Together, we offer compassionate care, comfort, dignity, and support to individuals and their caregivers on their journey through hospice. 

Levels of Care at the Aroostook House of Comfort

The hospice care team provides the following types of services or levels of care.

General Inpatient (GIP)

 

It is our mission at the Aroostook House of Comfort to provide comprehensive, compassionate end-of-life care. This level of care is intended for hospice patients who require 3–7-day pain and symptom management that cannot be provided in another setting. Our staff are attentive to all identified needs including pain and symptom management along with emotional and spiritual care concerns.

Inpatient Respite Care

 

Respite care provides relief for the primary caregiver. While the Aroostook House of Comfort staff are providing care for the hospice patient, the caregiver can rest, go to appointments, or attend special events. The caregiver can stay at the Aroostook House of Comfort if approved by the Medical Director and Aroostook House of Comfort Hospice Manager.

Routine Inpatient Care

 

Routine inpatient care is provided as a self-pay or a Charity Care benefit, if necessary, when one no longer qualifies for respite or general inpatient coverage. This is offered at the discretion of the Medical Director and Hospice Manager at the Aroostook House of Comfort. If you or your loved one requires routine inpatient care, please discuss this further with a Northern Light Home Care & Hospice representative at 1-800-757-3326.

Who is eligible for hospice care?

When a patient begins to experience a decline in regular self-care capabilities or other life-limiting symptoms, a doctor may suggest hospice care. When a doctor determines that curative measures are no longer appropriate and estimates life expectancy to be six months or less, referrals can be made for hospice services. If Medicare Hospice Criteria are met, a hospice referral may be appropriate for people of any age and with most illnesses. If there are any questions regarding eligibility, please contact Northern Light Home Care & Hospice at 1-800-757-3326.

Who pays for hospice care?

All patients who meet the eligibility requirements are accepted regardless of ability to pay. Medicare or Medicaid patients will not be refused care or have their hospice care discontinued due to their inability to pay. A social worker can meet with the patient and family to address concerns and needs.The Aroostook House of Comfort does not bill insurances or receive payments for medical care. Northern Light Home Care & Hospice receives reimbursement for services from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurances. Please contact Northern Light Home Care & Hospice with any billing or payment questions at 1-800-757-3326.

HOSPICE CARE

Compassion & Guidance

What is Hospice?

 

Hospice is a 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.

 

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Care Team

 

Northern Light Home Care & Hospice, the only Medicare-certified agency in the area, administers hands-on hospice care. The Aroostook House of Comfort and Northern Light Home Care & Hospice collaborate to provide individuals and their loved one’s compassionate care.

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Accommodations

 

Amenities include a private patient suite, access to a living room and sitting areas, fully equipped kitchen, children’s playroom, laundry room, conference room, chapel and meditation room, gardens, and a large gazebo, as well as several outdoor seating areas.

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TESTIMONIALS

What People Say About Us

“When our family's world felt as though it was falling apart as we grappled with the impending loss of my mom, the question around how we would proceed to put her at ease in her final days had an easy answer for us. The Aroostook House of Comfort is such a gift to our community and families in northern Maine. While I wish no one ever had to utilize their services, when families need help with a dying loved one, there is no other place I would turn to or recommend than the Aroostook House of Comfort. Their staff was incredibly attentive, providing comfort and guidance not just to Mom but to all of us in the family during and after her passing. If you have a loved one who may need end-of-life care, I can recommend no other facility and team higher than the Aroostook House of Comfort.”

 

Trey Stewart 

"The Aroostook House of Comfort, to me and my family, was a place in Presque Isle that we knew as “The Hospice House.” On August 3, our family started looking at this place in a different light and will continue to do so for the rest of our lives. When we drove up, the first thing we noticed was the beautiful landscaping, the peaceful aura of the place itself, and the warm, inviting atmosphere of the building. The team was getting Dad settled in his new room. We were greeted by an extremely friendly volunteer who welcomed us and ushered us into a room where Dr. Jones was waiting for us. Our experience with the House was nothing short of amazing. I can’t say enough good things about the place itself, the staff that works and volunteers there, or the amazing mission of the organization.”

 

Tony Lahey

MORE TESTIMONIALS

Support the Aroostook House of Comfort

Your gift helps provide inpatient hospice care to the people of Aroostook County.

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