Hospice in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia Pennsylvania  Hospice Care: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources and Questions to Ask

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an appealing place to retire, offering a rich cultural history, world-class healthcare, and a diverse, vibrant community. Hospice care in the city provides compassionate, end-of-life support, focusing on comfort, pain management, and emotional well-being for individuals and their families. Pennsylvania ranks 21st in the nation for assisted living, reflecting the state’s commitment to quality senior care and supportive healthcare services.

Signs it may be time to look into hospice care

What is Palliative care and respite care and how are they different from hospice?

Let’s discuss what makes them different:

Palliative Care

Palliative care refers to any care that alleviates symptoms, whether there is hope of a cure by other means or not. Both palliative care and hospice care are intended to provide comfort for the individual and family. This care focuses on easing pain and discomfort to help people have the highest possible quality of life. It is appropriate at any stage of life, not just end of life. 

Respite care

Taking care of a loved one who is terminally ill can be exhausting and emotionally draining for family members, and especially if family members are the caregivers. Respite care provides relief for those looking after the terminally ill individual. They may be checked into temporary hospice and provide a much needed break for family caregivers.

Hospice 

Hospice care is an option for people who have a life expectancy of six months or less. In place of ongoing curative measures, hospice involves palliative care (pain and symptom relief), enabling the individual to live their final days with purpose, grace, dignity, and support from family and staff. The purpose is for the individual to spend their final days in a comfortable, familiar environment, with their loved ones enabling them to focus their attention with help of staff. Some hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities offer hospice care on-site – however, it is most often provided in the person’s home. 

About Hospice Care in Philadelphia, PA

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hospice care is a specialized form of healthcare that focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with terminal illnesses. Hospice services include skilled nursing for pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and personal care assistance to help with daily activities. Additionally, physical, occupational, and speech therapy may be provided to enhance comfort and maintain function as long as possible. Hospice care is available in various settings, including private homes, assisted living communities, and hospice facilities, ensuring that individuals receive compassionate, personalized care in their preferred environment.

Considerations when looking for Hospice Care in Philadelphia, PA

There are 12 Hospice Care providers found within 10 miles of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . The estimated population of Philadelphia is 1,573,916 with 15.2% of that number being those ages 65 and older. In Philadelphia,  the summers are warm, humid, and wet; the winters are very cold and snowy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 26°F to 87°F and is rarely below 13°F or above 94°F.

Cities near Philadelphia, PA

• Camden, NJ – 5 miles east
• Upper Darby, PA – 6 miles west
• Bensalem, PA – 18 miles northeast
• Cherry Hill, NJ – 10 miles east
• Norristown, PA – 20 miles northwest

How to pay for Hospice Care?

Medicare, private health insurance, and Medicaid (in 43 states) covers hospice care for patients who meet eligibility criteria.

Private insurance and veterans’ benefits may also cover hospice care under certain conditions. In addition, some hospice programs offer healthcare services on a sliding fee scale basis for patients with limited income and resources. To get help with your Medicare questions call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov. Additional information about how to pay for hospice care can be found at the Public Policy Institute of the AARP.

Who Pays for Palliative Care?

Medicare, Medicaid, many insurers, and healthcare plans will cover the medical portions—physician and nurse services—of palliative care.

Veterans may be eligible for palliative care through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Check with your doctor and healthcare plan to see what insurance will cover in your particular situation. Unlike the comprehensive hospice benefit, there is no comprehensive palliative care benefit.

Questions about Hospice Care

Is Hospice only for those who have cancer? 

No. It is for anyone with a terminal illness who has been given a prognosis by their doctor of six months or less.  

Do only elderly people use these services.  

It is for all age groups during the final stages of their life. The intention is to allow people to enjoy the closeness of family and a comfortable environment in the last stages of their life.  

Do people on hospice die immediately? 

This care does not hasten death. Though, studies have shown people often live longer than those with the same or similar illnesses who do not choose hospice. 

Are all hospices the same? 

The United States offers thousands of hospices. Most engage in Medicare, which requires certain services for the person in care. So, there is a standard operating procedure.  

How can I afford Hospice care? Is it expensive. 

Hospice care is covered by Medicare Part A, and your personal insurance. 

Is Hospice is only provided in the individual’s home? 

NO, Care is provided wherever the person is, which could be a long-term care facility or a hospital. Being take care of at home is always an option. 

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Philadelphia, PA

• Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania – Penn Medicine
  • Address: 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
  • Phone: (215) 662-4000
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  • Address: 111 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
  • Phone: (215) 955-6000
• Pennsylvania Hospital – Penn Medicine
  • Address: 800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
  • Phone: (215) 829-3000
• Temple University Hospital – Main Campus
  • Address: 3401 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
  • Phone: (800) 836-7536
• Jefferson Torresdale Hospital
  • Address: 10800 Knights Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114
  • Phone: (215) 612-4000

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PAC) The PCA mission is to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians or people with disabilities and to assist them in achieving their maximum levels of health, independence, and productivity. For 50 years PCA has delivered vital programs and services to Philadelphia county. As one of the region’s largest nonprofits and partnering with 200 contracted providers, PCA offers services that allow individuals to remain engaged in their communities and empowered in their homes.

Pennsylvania Department of Aging The department provides a wide array of services and programs intended to help older Pennsylvanians live and thrive in their homes and communities for as long as possible. These services include home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, health and wellness services, personal assistance, senior community centers, Medicare enrollment counseling, transportation, job training, elder abuse prevention, PACE prescription assistance and more.

Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources  Easily connect you to local services/supports through any Link partner agency- Explore existing options to ensure a secure plan for independence- Assist consumers with applications to determine funding eligibility- Help consumers remain or return to their community because of a disability, an illness or accident, or to transition from an institution back to the community. There is no charge for information and assistance provided by any Link or Link partner agency.

Pennsylvania Senior Law Helpline The SeniorLAW Helpline is a free, confidential telephone legal service, staffed by attorneys, that is available to give Pennsylvania residents, 60 and older, legal information and advice.

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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