Excela Health Hospice, one of the oldest and most experienced hospice services
in Westmoreland County, is committed to providing the highest level of
care to patients and families. We can relieve many of the physical, emotional
and spiritual burdens associated with a terminal illness and provide care
that meets the patient’s and family’s needs.
The end of life is a natural process. We make every effort to preserve
dignity and individuality by honoring our patients’ wishes regarding
care. Our goal is to create a peaceful, nurturing environment, so that
the time you have together is spent more comfortably. And with dignity.
Hospice Services
Excela Health Hospice is Medicare certified and provided under the approval
and supervision of your family physician. Care is coordinated by our skilled
nursing staff and may include:
Symptom control
Pain management
Physical support
Emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and practical support for the patient
and family
Eligibility and Treatment
Hospice care is a choice. An individual must choose to receive this service
or, family members, the person’s physician, clergy or other health
care professionals can refer a patient to hospice.
If you’re wondering about Hospice and if it is the next step,
click here.
To enter hospice, a certified prognosis of six months or less from a physician
is required. Those using hospice services include patients with cancer,
lung disease, end-stage heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple
sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
and other terminal diseases.
Once a referral is made, an individualized plan of care and treatment is
developed based on the physician’s orders and an overall assessment
by our hospice team. Patients and their families play an important role
in this process. The attending physician is routinely informed of the
patient’s status, and the care plan is adjusted as needed.
We encourage patients and their families to ask questions and participate
actively in the care and treatment, particularly when assistance or reassurance
is needed.
Special Hospice Programs
Some of our special programs:
Massage Therapy
Veteran Programming
Art Expression Program
Bear Buddies
Hand Photos
Birthday Cakes
Pet Helpers
Treasured Memories
Teddy bears made from a loved one’s clothing items as a way to remember,
hold and keep something of the loved one.
To celebrate a patient’s special day, our volunteers deliver a home-baked
cake with all our good wishes upon your request. It’s another way
to create a lasting memory.
Have a pet who has been a steady companion? If there comes a time when
you need help caring for your pet in your home so you can stay together,
our Pet Helpers are there to assist.
Hands that comfort. Hands that care. Hands that hold. Touching photos of
a patient’s hands and those they love can serve as a lasting memory.
That one family story. The unique photo of generations, a military experience.
A treasured family recipe. Items woven into the legacy of giving and remembering.
Treasured Memories can be an audio or video remembrance of experiences
to save forever.
Need more information?
For more information on our hospice program or additional questions about
our programs, referrals, services or payments, please call Excela Health
Hospice toll free at:
1-800-427-1400
