At BSA Hospice of the Southwest, we focus on improving the quality of life and bringing comfort, peace, and even joy to those facing a life-limiting illness. It is important for you to understand that we connect deeply to what those we care for are experiencing and approach every relationship with sensitivity, understanding, and a profound sense of empathy born from our own life experiences. We understand what you are feeling, facing, and experiencing. So why is that important? Because it means we’ll give you individualized care...care that not only supports where you are in your healthcare journey, but care tailored to who you are as an individual. We see the benefits of hospice every day, but we know for you this will be the first time you have experienced hospice as a patient. You have probably heard many things about hospice from friends, family, or even the media. Some may be true and some far from the truth. Hospice is probably the most misunderstood philosophy of care available. In reality, hospice is about quality of life. It is about facing the end of your life on your terms and partnering with a team of caregivers uniquely trained to help you do just that. We can provide care wherever you choose: at home, in an assisted-living facility, or even in a nursing home. Your choice to remain on hospice is just that, a choice. You can choose to withdraw from hospice care at any time to seek medical treatment that may become available. Together, we’ll help you regain control and feel empowered because each day is about your choice to live fully.

Hospice is a personal choice and should be made when you feel it’s time to focus on comfort rather than a cure. The decision to begin care is determined by you and your family. ​ Research shows that hospice care works best and is most beneficial to you and your loved ones when started early on. In fact, our patients often tell us they wish they had chosen hospice sooner. There are many benefits hospice can bring that may help you and your loved ones now. ​ For example, our patients who begin hospice care sooner have the opportunity to make use of our expertise in helping with pain control and symptom management. Also, families caring for a loved one can benefit from the support our hospice caregiving team brings. We can share some of the responsibilities of providing day-to-day care. ​ Choosing to let us help earlier can increase the quality of time left. Studies have shown that individuals on hospice have actually lived longer. Reducing pain, symptoms, and easing responsibilities will let you and your family focus less on the disease and more on enjoying time together.

We understand that your advancing illness is not only touching your life but your family members' lives as well. So we’ll be there to comfort your family and help them through any challenging days ahead. ​ Your family will maintain an active role in caring for you and will strive to give you the very best care. They will have the full support of our team from our expertly trained nurses, to our hospice aides who help with daily caregiving, to our chaplains and social workers. Imagine a team of people dedicated to providing the best care possible while ensuring no one in your family feels completely overwhelmed or like they are facing this struggle alone. ​ Your family will also have the support of our grief support services. Anyone who needs someone to talk to or a little extra help coping can find the support and guidance they need. We also help family members understand each other’s feelings and share their thoughts, wishes, and concerns.

Hospice is an elected benefit of most insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. Medicare covers the cost of clinical staff visits, medications, home equipment, and supplies related to the terminal illness and comfort. Every insurance company is a little different, but many have inclusive plans similar to Medicare. ​ After meeting with you and discussing your needs, we’ll verify insurance benefits to determine hospice coverage. If you do not have insurance, our social workers will work with you and your family to find funding options.

At BSA Hospice of the Southwest, our patients are like family, and our entire team works together to make patients comfortable, listened to, and cared for. You may interact with: Nurses Aides Physicians Volunteers Spiritual Caregiver Social Workers Administrative Support Team Our interdisciplinary team can help your family by: Managing pain and symptoms ​ Providing emotional support ​ Providing medications, supplies, and equipment ​ Educating loved ones on how to deliver care ​ Delivering special services and therapies if needed ​ Making short-term inpatient care available if needed ​ Providing respite time for family caregivers ​ Trained volunteers providing support for patient and family members ​ Providing grief support for loved ones and friends ​ Support can also include conversations with patients and family members, teaching caregiving skills, prayer, telephone calls to loved ones, including family members who live at a distance, and companionship.