Hospice

The hospice team at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC) is committed to providing compassionate, respectful care for people who are approaching the end of life. GRMC hospice services include specialized in-home medical care; support for family members; and 24/7 access to nursing, social and pastoral care. Our goal is to help people with life-limiting conditions to live in comfort and dignity, surrounded by their family and loved ones.

Our hospice team
Our two physicians and experienced nursing staff offer palliative care in your home or at a nursing facility. Our team also includes on-call chaplains and social workers, who can offer emotional, spiritual and practical support as you negotiate the stresses and worries of end-of-life care. At GRMC, this support is available when you need it. At any time of day, you will be connected to a nurse, not an answering machine.

In-home hospice care
Hospice nurses visit once or twice a week. GRMC Hospice aides and volunteers visit more often to assist with medical care and provide companionship. Our team helps:

• Track and treat symptoms.
• Administer medications.
• Order prescriptions and deliver them to your home.
• Facilitate daily routines and activities.
• Order and set up specialized medical equipment.

We also help you understand and plan for important end-of-life decisions. For example, we can help with writing advanced directives or funeral planning. GRMC chaplains can organize and conduct funeral services if needed.

Inpatient hospice care
If pain or other symptoms cannot be managed at home, you or your loved one will receive inpatient hospice care at GRMC until you or they are able to return home or to a nursing facility. During inpatient care, you will have access to GRMC’s expert medical staff.

Support for families and caregivers
At GRMC Hospice, we know that family and loved ones need support too. We offer several programs that help families manage end-of-life care and support them as they grieve.

Caregiver training: If you’re caring for someone in hospice care, GRMC Hospice offers basic training in how to offer safe, comfortable daily care; advice on what to expect as your loved one’s condition progresses; and help with paperwork such as FMLA requests.

Bereavement program: For a full year after your loved one’s death, our team is available at any time to offer support. We help with funeral planning and offer grief support throughout the year, from day-to-day life through your loved ones birthday and the holiday season.

Respite care: Caregiving is challenging, and caregivers may need support or time to care for themselves. Our respite care program offers care for your loved one at GRMC or in a nursing home for up to five nights.

Starting hospice care
Hospice care can offer support and comfort to people with life-limiting conditions who are expected to live for six months or less. That includes patients in the final stages of cancer, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease and more. Starting hospice care early can help improve your quality of life, so you can focus on what matters most to you.

Hospice care, including medications, equipment and supplies, and inpatient respite care, is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans.

Your doctor might refer you or your loved one to hospice care at GRMC, or you can call us at 830.401.7561.

Our hospice staff is on call 24 hours a day. If you need advice or help with managing your loved one’s condition after regular hours, on weekends or on holidays, you can contact our on-call nurse at 830.379.2411.

Visit Guadalupe Regional Hospice Website

Hospice FAQs