About Us

What is Hospice?

The word “hospice” was originally used to describe a place of shelter for weary and sick travelers. During the 1960’s, the modern hospice movement began by using a team approach to professional care giving, and was the first program to use modern pain management techniques to compassionately care for the dying. The first hospice in the United States was established in 1974.

In the spirit of Hospice care, Heritage Hospice is committed to treating the needs of the person, not the disease or diagnosis.

Hospice care is frequently mistaken as care for patients only with end-stage cancer. However, the types of illnesses in patients served by hospice have evolved and we have expertise in the care of patients with many life-limiting illnesses and conditions, such as:

Who is Eligible for Hospice Services?

The hospice benefit is available to anyone who with a life-limiting illness (typically six months or less if the disease runs its normal course), whose physician certifies eligibility for hospice in concurrence with the hospice medical director. Most importantly, the patient must choose to elect or receive hospice care.

The majority of Heritage Hospice patients are eligible for Medicare and most are surprised to learn that all expenses involved in their hospice care are covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit. This includes equipment and medications related to the hospice diagnosis.

• No co-pay
• No deductible
• No paperwork

Most private health insurance plans, as well as Indiana Medicaid, also provide coverage for hospice care. Other requests for services are reviewed case by case.

Our Philosophy

The philosophy of Hospice is centered on helping patients and their families understand that death is a natural part of life… hospice affirms life. So that life may be experienced as fully and comfortably as possible, Heritage Hospice is committed to:

• Supportive Care: for our patients, their families, and caregivers as they walk this final journey together,
• Appropriate Care: utilizing the best possible medical resources to meet the physical needs of our patients.
• Focused Care: assessing and responding to the immediate needs and preferences of our patients and families in an effort to bring comfort, dignity, and peace.
• End of Journey Care: through the encouragement of a caring community sensitive to their needs, patients and their families may be free to attain a degree of mental and spiritual preparation for death.

We believe success is measured by the relationships with those served – our patients, families, vendors, staff, volunteers, and community. It is our duty to maintain these relationships.

Our Values

These values govern the actions and attitudes of all who are a part of Heritage Hospice. They work together as an integrated whole, with each value considered equally important.

• Professionalism – We are experts in hospice care and will continue learning to keep pace with the latest practices, services and regulations to be the best in our field.
• Teamwork – We work as a team at Heritage Hospice by including and actively communicating with all the disciplines within our organization.
• Stewardship – We will manage our resources to provide the services, equipment and supplies you need in the most efficient and effective ways.
• Integrity – Count on Heritage Hospice to do what we say we will do, always demonstrating the utmost dignity and respect. We also promise to be open and honest in discussing your loved one’s situation and what you can expect.
• Service – We’re dedicated to going the extra step for our patients, families and communities.