Excela Health Hospice at Independence Health System is one of the oldest
and most experienced hospice services in Westmoreland County, is committed
to providing the highest level of care to patients and families. They
can relieve many of the physical, emotional and spiritual burdens associated
with a life-limiting illness and provide care that meets the patient’s
and family’s needs.
The end of life is a natural process. The hospice team makes every effort
to preserve dignity and individuality by honoring patients’ wishes
regarding care. The goal is to create a peaceful, nurturing environment,
so that the time you have together is spent more comfortably, with dignity.
Hospice Services
Excela Health Hospice is Medicare certified and provided under the approval
and supervision of your family physician. Care is coordinated by skilled
nursing staff and may include:
Symptom control
Pain management
Physical support
Emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and practical support for the patient
and family
Eligibility and Treatment
Hospice care is a choice. An individual must choose to receive this service
or family members, physicians, clergy or other health care professionals
can refer a patient to hospice.
To enter hospice, a certified prognosis of six months or less from a physician
is required. Those using hospice services include patients with cancer,
lung disease, end-stage heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple
sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
and other terminal diseases.
Once a referral is made, an individualized plan of care and treatment is
developed based on the physician’s orders and an overall assessment
by the hospice team. Patients and their families play an important role
in this process. The attending physician is routinely informed of the
patient’s status, and the care plan is adjusted as needed.
Patients and their families are encouraged to ask questions and participate
actively in the care and treatment, particularly when assistance or reassurance
is needed.
Special Hospice Programs
Some special programs offered include:
Massage Therapy
Veteran Programming
Art Expression Program
Bear Buddies
Teddy bears made from a loved one’s clothing items as a way to remember,
hold and keep something of the loved one.
Hand Photos
Hands that comfort. Hands that care. Hands that hold. Touching photos of
a patient’s hands and those they love can serve as a lasting memory.
Birthday Cakes
To celebrate a patient’s special day, volunteers deliver a home-baked
cake with good wishes upon your request. It’s another way to create
a lasting memory.
Pet Helpers
Have a pet who has been a steady companion? If there comes a time when
you need help caring for your pet in your home so you can stay together,
Pet Helpers are there to assist.
Treasured Memories
That one family story. The unique photo of generations, a military experience.
A treasured family recipe. Items woven into the legacy of giving and remembering.
Treasured Memories can be an audio or video remembrance of experiences
to save forever.
For more information on the hospice program or additional questions about
programs, referrals, services or payments, please call Excela Health Hospice
at Independence Health System toll free at:
1-800-427-1400
