How to
Get Started

The Star City Hospice Process

The Star City Hospice Process

Hospice helps patients and families redefine hope for a richer, more comfortable experience through end-of-life and an easier transition for family members through sensitive grief support. We are expert professionals in helping patients with advanced illnesses avoid hospital re-admissions and live in their homes comfortably, free from pain, and surrounded by loved ones. If there comes a time when medical treatment is no longer an effective option, or the burden of treatment outweighs the benefit, we are here to help.

It’s especially important to remember that anyone can make a hospice referral. It’s essential when someone is experiencing a life-limiting or life-threatening disease that may require hospice. To alleviate any anxieties that come with hospice, it is also important to learn about every level of hospice care. When it comes to hospice care, it’s never too early to learn about all of the options available.

Getting Started with
Hospice Care

We have the experience you need when dealing with hospice care. We have a combined 70 years of experience providing patient care for the most fragile patients. We understand what it means to manage care transitions: from hospital to home, from curative to palliative, from chronic to end-stage. Our ability to respond quickly and make important decisions that can have a major impact on our patients and their families is where we excel.

Getting Started with Hospice Care
Getting Started with Hospice Care

Our Staff is Here to:

Answer questions you or your family may have over the phone or through email
Schedule an in-depth informational meeting or evaluation with one of our highly skilled nurses
Explain how the process works
Help consult the primary care physician or other healthcare providers to begin the hospice evaluation process

The Benefits of Early Hospice Referral include:

Help with immediate physical, emotional, and spiritual care
Avoidance of crises and/or unnecessary hospitalizations
Spending time with our team to develop a strong bond to help prepare for difficult times

Hospice FAQ’s

What questions will help me find the best hospice care?

  • How often will your clinical staff visit?
  • What steps will be taken to ensure comfort and dignity when a patient nears death?
  • What is the normal response time to emergencies and after-hour calls?

How long can someone be in hospice care?

According to Medicare regulations, a patient must have a terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of 6 months or less if the disease runs its normal course. However, a patient can remain on service longer if the hospice team finds the patient’s disease progression continues to meet criteria during periodic recertifications.

What is the cost of hospice?

Hospice is 100% covered by Medicare and Medicaid Benefits. In addition, many private insurances also covers copays and deductibles.

Where does hospice occur?

One of our values is to provide hospice wherever a patient calls home. Hospice is provided in homes, apartments, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals.

What if I change my mind about hospice care?

Yes. Patients and their families can pursue aggressive treatment or change hospices at any time during care. All you need to do is notify your provider and the necessary paperwork can be completed.

Does hospice cover the room and board at a nursing facility?

No, room and board is paid privately or covered through Medicaid or Long Term Care Insurance.

What is included in hospice care?

Hospice care includes any medications related to the terminal diagnosis or comfort of the patient. It also includes durable medical equipment (hospital bed, oxygen concentrator, wheelchairs, etc.) and supplies, including incontinence supplies. In addition, it includes all visits from the hospice interdisciplinary team.

What happens if hospice is no longer necessary?

In some instances, a patient improves to the degree where hospice is no longer necessary. If this happens, the patient and family are notified and a detailed discharge plan is made by our team to make sure the patient’s needs can still be met. Also, a patient can return to hospice if it becomes necessary again.
We Are Local

We Are Local

We are proud to support this great community with the best hospice care available. We are passionate about giving the residents of the Dallas area the quality care they deserve.

The communities we serve include:
Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, Garland, Irving, Plano, Rockwall, Lewisville and McKinney.

How Can We Help?