Older woman holding hands with female nurse at hospice facility Older woman holding hands with female nurse at hospice facility

Healthcare Provider Resources

Patient Referrals

Please visit our Referrals page for information on how to refer a patient to Alive.

Refer a Patient

Your Hospice Care Partner

One of the most common things we hear from patients and families is that they wish they had known hospice care was available sooner. The added support allows loved ones to focus on being together and making the most of their precious time. Contact us to find out when we can help your patients with serious illnesses. It may be sooner than you think.

Hospice care adds another layer of support for patients with serious illnesses. It can help prevent repeated hospitalizations and reduce stress on loved ones and caregivers through education and support.

We are flexible and will work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan for your patient and will keep you up to date on their condition.

Quick Answers

When is it time to make a hospice referral?

One of the most common things we hear from patients with serious illnesses and their families is that they wish they had known hospice care was available sooner. Learn more.

Who can make a referral to Alive Hospice?

Anyone can make a referral to Alive Hospice. With the patient’s permission, Alive Hospice will contact the patient’s attending physician for needed clinical information.

Can I see my own patients after I refer to Alive Hospice?

We welcome any community physician to work with us to provide direct care for your patients. Whether you elect to see your own patients or prefer the Alive Hospice physician to manage your patient’s care, we will always keep you informed of your patient’s condition.

What kind of support does Alive Hospice offer to family, friends, and caregivers?

A life-limiting illness affects everyone. Support and counseling are an integral part of our personalized care. Social workers, chaplains, grief counselors, and companion volunteers comprise the social support portion of our team.

Who pays for Alive Hospice care?

Most insurance policies include a specific hospice benefit. Alive Hospice will work with each patient/family to verify hospice benefits. No patient is denied care because of inability to pay. Alive gives nearly $2 million each year in financial aid to help families when insurance doesn’t cover everything.

Does my patient have to have a DNR status to be admitted to Alive Hospice?

Advance Directives will be discussed at the time of admission and the patient’s wishes are always respected. If your patient prefers resuscitation measures, the Alive Hospice staff will discuss all the options with the patient/family.

Does Alive Hospice do anything to make death come sooner?

Hospice care neither hastens nor postpones dying. We allow patients to die a natural death with as much comfort, grace and peace as possible.

How often will a member of the Alive Hospice team visit in the home?

The Alive Hospice team will work with your patient to create a visit schedule. The frequency of visits will depend on the patient’s condition and needs and will be adjusted as appropriate.

How does Alive Hospice respond to emergencies in the middle of the night?

Alive Hospice nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our Henry Hooker Alive Connect telehospice program ensures that every patient has immediate face-to-face access with their team. If the issue cannot be resolved this way, a nurse will visit the patient’s home.

Can an Alive Hospice patient receive chemotherapy or radiation?

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments must be approved by an Alive Hospice physician and included on the plan of care. These treatments are sometimes used to maintain comfort and alleviate side effects of a disease.

End-of-Life Conversations and Planning

The Gift Initiative of Alive: Advance Care Planning

Helping patients fill out a simple advance directive form ensures that their end-of-life care preferences are known, and their caretakers won’t be burdened with the worry and guilt of guessing what the preferences might be.

For further information, please visit our Advance Care Plan page.

Grief Support

Alive’s Grief Center is open to all members of the community who have experienced a loss, even if they have not had a loved one in our care.

For further information, please visit our Grief Support page.