HOSPICE CARE

At HPC Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, we offer gentle, personalized care that brings comfort, dignity, and peace through life’s final stages.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR HOSPICE?

Hospice is available for individuals facing a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less, as determined by a physician. But beyond a timeline, hospice is about making the most of the time that remains — with care that focuses on comfort, quality of life, and dignity.


As a family member, you may notice subtle — or not-so-subtle — changes that make you wonder if it’s time to ask about hospice. Maybe your loved one is eating less, sleeping more, or withdrawing from things they once enjoyed. Maybe they’ve had frequent hospital visits, started needing more help to move around, or decided to stop aggressive treatments.


If you're seeing any of these signs, it’s okay to ask questions. You don’t need to wait for a doctor to bring it up — families can call us directly and refer. We’re here to listen, answer your questions honestly, and help you figure out what kind of support makes the most sense for your loved one and for you.

WHO IS APPROPRIATE

Hospice is for anyone facing a life-limiting illness and choosing comfort over aggressive treatment. While the diagnoses below are some of the most common, this isn’t a complete list. If you’re unsure whether hospice is the right fit, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to guide you.

  • Heart, liver, or lung disease
  • Cancer
  • HIV/AIDS
  • ALS, MS, or other neuromuscular disorders
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Lewy Body dementia

PROVIDED SERVICES

When you choose HPC, you’re not alone. Here’s what our care team offers — for your loved one, and for you:

Skilled Nurse
Your hospice nurse will check in regularly (as often as needed) to manage symptoms, explain what to expect, and help make sure your loved one is as comfortable as possible. They’ll also show you how to care for them at home, step by step — you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Hospice Aide
Our aides are gentle, dependable helpers who assist with personal care like bathing, dressing, and light housekeeping — things that can take a big load off your shoulders.

Chaplain
Whether you’re religious or not, our chaplains offer a kind listening ear. They support patients and families through emotional and spiritual questions that often come up during this time. After your loved one passes, our bereavement team continues supporting your family for up to 13 months.

Social Worker
Our social workers help navigate advance directives, insurance forms, Power of Attorney paperwork — and they’re also there for emotional support, resources, and guidance when decisions feel overwhelming.

Medical Director
If your loved one doesn’t have a primary care provider, our medical director can step in as their attending physician. They help guide the care plan and ensure everything stays aligned with your family’s goals.

Heartford House
Our inpatient center offers short-term care for patients who need round-the-clock symptom management (GIP), a break for caregivers (respite), or residential-level support.

DNR & LIVING WILL FORMS

If you’re exploring hospice or palliative care, you may also be thinking about advance care planning. Below, you’ll find helpful resources, including the Kentucky Living Will Packet from the Attorney General’s office and the official Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order from Kentucky EMS. These documents can guide important conversations and decisions. Feel free to review, download, and print them as needed.


Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance companies cover the cost of hospice care. If a patient does not have a hospice benefit, they can still receive the same compassionate services from HPC Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. No one is ever turned away from hospice care due to the inability to pay.

If you believe you or someone you love could benefit from the excellent hospice care provided by HPC please call us at 270.926.7565 to see how we can help!