What is hospice care?
Hospice offers professional health care and support in the last phases of disease so individuals may live as fully and comfortably as possible. The hospice focus is on the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families during illness, death and bereavement.

Believing the quality of life is as important as the length of life, hospice care concentrates on making the most of each day of a patient's life.

Who is a Lower Cape Fear Hospice patient?
Infants, children and adults who face a life-limiting illness can be hospice patients. About half of our patients have a non-cancer diagnosis, including end-stages of chronic diseases such as emphysema, Alzheimer’s, ALS and heart disease.

Who provides hospice care?
The physician who makes a referral to hospice continues to manage a patient's medical care in coordination with the hospice team. The hospice team consists of medical directors, nurses, social workers, counselors, chaplains, nursing assistants and volunteers. They provide day-to-day support to hospice patients and their families.

Where is hospice care provided?
Most patients receive care and support in their own homes. Others are served in hospitals, assisted living and rest home facilities, nursing homes and the Hospice Care Center.

What counties does Lower Cape Fear Hospice serve?
Hospice care is provided to patients in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties in North Carolina.

How do patients pay for hospice care?
Patients are admitted to Hospice regardless of their ability to pay. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances have a hospice benefit. Community grants, donations and fund-raising activities help Lower Cape Fear Hospice provide care to patients with limited resources or no payment sources.

Who can refer a patient to Lower Cape Fear Hospice?
Physicians, community agencies, hospital discharge planners, clergy and concerned relatives can refer patients to hospice. The referral telephone number is 800.207.6908. All services must be authorized by the patient’s physician.

Click on Frequently Asked Questions for more information about hospice care.