Frequently Asked Questions
We’re bringing answers home.
We’re bringing answers home.
Hospice is a philosophy of high-quality, compassionate care for anyone of any age who has a life-limiting illness and does not want any more curative treatment. It provides dignity, choice and comfort so what remains of life can be lived to its fullest. Hospice care also provides a great deal of support for family members in the form of physical, emotional and spiritual assistance.
Palliative care is designed to maximize the quality of life for patients with advanced or life-limiting illness. Hospice is a form of palliative care, but hospice is for those who don’t want to continue curative treatment. At Hospice Atlanta, our palliative care is called the Advanced Illness Management (AIM) program and it combines active and compassionate therapies to compliment the patient’s medical care.
Home Healthcare is quite like it sounds. It is medical attention provided by skilled professionals that takes place in the comfort and convenience of your own home. The care comes to you rather than you having to travel to a hospital or clinic. Home healthcare is coordinated by a licensed, qualified organization and may involve the services of nurses, therapists, clinicians and sometimes even social workers providing non-medical support. It is a service ordered by a physician for patients who may be recovering from a surgery, illness or injury or for those facing chronic illness.
Hospice care is a philosophy of high-quality, compassionate care for anyone of any age who has a life-limiting illness and does not want any more curative treatment. It provides dignity, choice and comfort so what remains of life can be lived to its fullest. Hospice care also provides a great deal of support for family members in the form of physical, emotional and spiritual assistance.
Private Home Care provides care that concentrates on activities of daily living that including live in senior care, personal care, household/chore services, and transportation. These are all things that allow us to remain independent and in our homes.
Hospice Atlanta provides hospice services in the comfort and ease of the patient’s home, wherever that may be, including an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Yes. Our skilled and intuitive team can also provide care in an assisted living or nursing home or any other living situation.
A family member is usually the primary caregiver and assists with making care decisions for the patient. Together the family/primary caregiver and hospice team collaborate to create an overall plan that includes treatment, support, personal care, and a number of specialized services for the patient and their family.
It is always the family’s choice, but the right time may be when the patient’s prognosis is life-limiting (six months or less) and the patient is ready to stop curative treatment.
To begin hospice care with Hospice Atlanta please give us a call us at (404) 869-3000. We will work with the patient’s physician to confirm hospice care is appropriate at this time.
No. It is not required that someone be with the hospice patient at all times during the earlier stages. During the later stages of care however, it is recommended.
When our hospice team develops your care plan they will be able to determine if additional home help from family and friends is necessary. If the patient has extra help from family and friends or not, our staff will visit the home regularly and be available to answer questions and provide support.
When caring for a dying loved one in the home comes with a lot of changes that be challenging. Some have found it stressful or exhausting especially during the night. Our hospice team is available 24/7 for support when needed.
Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance.
These benefits cover most everything:
Of course. If the patient’s condition improves, they can return to their regular medical care. And the patient can return back to hospice, as well, as many times as necessary.
Yes. Patients always have the right to go to the hospital. But there is the possibility it will change the patient’s hospice status. In most cases, an emergency transfer to a hospital is not part of a hospice plan unless it is unrelated to the terminal diagnosis (e.g., a fractured hip, a blood clot). If the patient needs to go to the hospital, the hospice case manager should be immediately notified. The hospice team will work with the family in determining the next steps in the plan of care.
Hospice does nothing to speed up or slow down the process of dying. Hospice care just manages symptoms and discomfort for the best quality of life and to minimize suffering.
Hospice Atlanta nurses have access to and are experts in most state-of-the-art pain and symptom relief. And because an illness also brings on emotional and spiritual pain, we provide counselors and chaplains, as well.
Not usually. When a patient is in hospice, it is the goal to help them live as actively as possible with little to no pain or discomfort.
Yes. Hospice is an extension of the regular medical care. We can also provide a medical doctor, if needed.
Yes. Families and friends are supported for at least one year after a loved one’s passing and even longer than that if needed. If you are in need of bereavement support, our Bereavement Coordinators are available by phone (404) 869-3000 for grief support and counseling during regular business hours Monday-Friday.
Today, we remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. Forever grateful. 🕊️
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #NeverForget #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
Today, we remember and honor all who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten. Forever grateful. 🕊️
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #NeverForget #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
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🏌️♀️ We’re proud to be part of a great cause on and off the course!
Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta was honored to participate in and sponsor this year`s LeadingAge Georgia Golf Tournament—an event that brings together healthcare partners and changemakers in senior care.
This tournament helps sustain the vital work of LeadingAge Georgia, empowering member organizations that serve and advocate for our aging population across the state. It’s a privilege to be part of a community so committed to compassionate, quality care for older adults. ⛳️💙
#LeadingAgeGA #GolfForACause #SeniorCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #HospiceAtlanta #AgingWithDignity #CommunitySupport
🏌️♀️ We’re proud to be part of a great cause on and off the course!
Visiting Nurse Health System | Hospice Atlanta was honored to participate in and sponsor this year`s LeadingAge Georgia Golf Tournament—an event that brings together healthcare partners and changemakers in senior care.
This tournament helps sustain the vital work of LeadingAge Georgia, empowering member organizations that serve and advocate for our aging population across the state. It’s a privilege to be part of a community so committed to compassionate, quality care for older adults. ⛳️💙
#LeadingAgeGA #GolfForACause #SeniorCare #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #HospiceAtlanta #AgingWithDignity #CommunitySupport
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🎉 Please join us in celebrating our Employee of the Month – Dykia Brummitt! 🌟
Dykia’s dedication, compassion, and positive team spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. Her commitment to our mission and values here at Visiting Nurse Health System shines through in all she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. 💙👏
Congratulations, Dykia—you truly embody what it means to provide care with heart! 🏆
#EmployeeOfTheMonth #VisitingNurseProud #HealthcareHeroes #ThankYouDykia #visitingnursehealthsystem
🎉 Please join us in celebrating our Employee of the Month – Dykia Brummitt! 🌟
Dykia’s dedication, compassion, and positive team spirit make a lasting impact on everyone she cares for. Her commitment to our mission and values here at Visiting Nurse Health System shines through in all she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team. 💙👏
Congratulations, Dykia—you truly embody what it means to provide care with heart! 🏆
#EmployeeOfTheMonth #VisitingNurseProud #HealthcareHeroes #ThankYouDykia #visitingnursehealthsystem
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🎉 Celebrating Nurses Month continues with our incredible nursing team at Hospice Atlanta | Visiting Nurse Home Health! 💙🩺Here`s our Home Health team celebrating this week! We’re so proud of our compassionate, dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day to care for our community in the comfort of their home. Thank you for all that you do! 👏
#NursesMonth #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #ThankYouNurses #hospiceatlanta
🎉 Celebrating Nurses Month continues with our incredible nursing team at Hospice Atlanta | Visiting Nurse Home Health! 💙🩺Here`s our Home Health team celebrating this week! We’re so proud of our compassionate, dedicated nurses who go above and beyond every day to care for our community in the comfort of their home. Thank you for all that you do! 👏
#NursesMonth #VisitingNurseHealthSystem #ThankYouNurses #hospiceatlanta
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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us last Saturday for Hospice Atlanta`s 3rd Annual Resilience bereavement event. Whether you came to listen, speak, or simply be present, your participation helped create a space of healing, support, and strength.
A special thank you to our incredible speakers, who so generously shared their stories, insights, and compassion. Your words touched many and reminded us all that even in grief, we are not alone.
To every attendee — your presence was powerful. Thank you for showing up for yourselves, and for each other. Together, we honored our losses and found comfort in community. Thank you to our gracious volunteers and staff who supported the event operations. Let’s continue to walk this path together. 💛
#ResilienceEvent #GriefSupport #ThankYou #HealingTogether #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us last Saturday for Hospice Atlanta`s 3rd Annual Resilience bereavement event. Whether you came to listen, speak, or simply be present, your participation helped create a space of healing, support, and strength.
A special thank you to our incredible speakers, who so generously shared their stories, insights, and compassion. Your words touched many and reminded us all that even in grief, we are not alone.
To every attendee — your presence was powerful. Thank you for showing up for yourselves, and for each other. Together, we honored our losses and found comfort in community. Thank you to our gracious volunteers and staff who supported the event operations. Let’s continue to walk this path together. 💛
#ResilienceEvent #GriefSupport #ThankYou #HealingTogether #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
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💐Happy Mother`s Day!💐
#mothersday #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
💐Happy Mother`s Day!💐
#mothersday #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
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Happy Nurses Week!
Celebrating this week the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses here at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and everywhere! 🌟🩺
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering support and care to patients and their families. In 2025, we continue to recognize the vital role they play in our communities and their commitment to improving lives. Let`s take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for these healthcare heroes.
Join us in celebrating Nurses Week by sharing a story of a nurse who has inspired you or by simply saying “thank you” to a nurse who has made a difference in your life.
Thank You For All You Do!! Happy Nurses Week! 💙🏥 #nursesweek2025#healthcareheroes#ThankYouNurses#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta
Happy Nurses Week!
Celebrating this week the incredible dedication, compassion, and resilience of nurses here at Visiting Nurse | Hospice Atlanta and everywhere! 🌟🩺
Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, providing unwavering support and care to patients and their families. In 2025, we continue to recognize the vital role they play in our communities and their commitment to improving lives. Let`s take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for these healthcare heroes.
Join us in celebrating Nurses Week by sharing a story of a nurse who has inspired you or by simply saying “thank you” to a nurse who has made a difference in your life.
Thank You For All You Do!! Happy Nurses Week! 💙🏥 #nursesweek2025#healthcareheroes#ThankYouNurses#visitingnursehealthsystem#hospiceatlanta
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Thank you Mutual of America for a great time celebrating our mission, Healthcare Champions, and new friends of Visiting Nurse at Mercedes Stadium.
#visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #communityfirst
Thank you Mutual of America for a great time celebrating our mission, Healthcare Champions, and new friends of Visiting Nurse at Mercedes Stadium.
#visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #communityfirst
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Great news! Seats still available at this year`s Hospice Atlanta Resilience Grief Workshop May 17! We have an amazing line up of inspiring speakers, to help you at what ever stage you may be at on your journey of grief. Please enjoy reading here, and details to register below. #grief #support #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem
Great news! Seats still available at this year`s Hospice Atlanta Resilience Grief Workshop May 17! We have an amazing line up of inspiring speakers, to help you at what ever stage you may be at on your journey of grief. Please enjoy reading here, and details to register below. #grief #support #hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem ...
We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast!
Thank you OTs for all you do!
#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️
We had a great time celebrating OT month, culminating this week with our 2025 Home Health OT Breakfast!
Thank you OTs for all you do!
#OTMonth #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #teamworkmakesthedreamwork❤️
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Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!
Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.
This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.
#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief
Space Is Still Available - Sign Up Today!
Join us for our 3rd Annual Resilience Event on May 17th, 2025.
This FREE event is designed to support those on the grief journey.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Hear from others who understand the grief journey.
• Engage in grief break-out groups for shared support.
• Receive tangible tools to cope with loss and grief.
Together, we can build resilience and support each other through grief. Registration Required.
#hospiceatlanta #visitingnursehealthsystem #grief
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As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!
Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!
#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond
As we continue to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week & Month, enjoy this message from one of our longtime volunteers and supporters sharing on why folks volunteer!
Barry gives to our community donating his time and talent in many ways impacting many around the globe, including helping individuals on their grief journey through TGBeyond! Thank you for all you do Barry!
#volunteer #volunteerappreciation #visitingnursehealthsystem #hospiceatlanta #TGBeyond
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