Hospice Care for Riverside Families

MAR Hospice Care coordinates with discharge planners at Riverside University Health System, Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, and other area hospitals. When a physician certifies hospice eligibility, we initiate intake while the patient is still hospitalized, arranging home equipment delivery, medication review, and the first nursing visit, so care is seamless from discharge day.

Yes. Advanced COPD and congestive heart failure are among the most common hospice-qualifying diagnoses. When a Riverside patient's condition has progressed to the point where a physician can certify a six-month prognosis, hospice is appropriate. MAR Hospice Care focuses on managing breathlessness, fluid retention, and fatigue at home, avoiding repeated hospitalizations and prioritizing comfort.

On each visit, the nurse assesses the patient's pain level, vital signs, and overall comfort. They review medications, make adjustments as needed, and communicate updates to the hospice medical director and the attending physician. The nurse also educates family caregivers on what to expect and how to provide safe care at home between visits. Visit frequency is based on the patient's needs and condition.

For most Riverside patients, in-home hospice costs nothing out of pocket; Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most private plans cover the full hospice benefit including nursing, medications, equipment, and support services. Inpatient hospice is reserved for acute crisis situations that cannot be managed at home and is also covered under the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The vast majority of hospice care takes place at home.

Yes. Patients in Riverside skilled nursing facilities and long-term care communities can receive hospice services without relocating. MAR Hospice Care's team visits the facility and collaborates with staff to layer hospice services, including pain management, emotional support, and 24/7 clinical access, onto the existing care plan at no additional cost to the patient or family.