What is hospice?

Hospice is more than a program or building. It is based upon a concept of hope and commitment to patients and their loved ones that the dying process will be pain-free and dignified. The core concepts of hospice are pain management, physical, emotional, social and spiritual support and acceptance of death as a natural part of the life cycle.

Who is eligible for hospice?

Any patient in our service area with a terminal diagnosis – defined as six months or less to live – is eligible for admission to Gilchrist Hospice Care. Gilchrist serves patients in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties. If patients or caregivers have any questions about their eligibility, they can call our referral center at 1-800-HOSPICE.

How will I pay for the service?

Medicare and most private insurers will pay the cost of hospice services, but Gilchrist Hospice Care will provide services to any eligible patient regardless of insurance limitations or ability to pay. Last year, Gilchrist provided more than $2 million in non-reimbursed care.

Will you come to my home?

Gilchrist Hospice Care was founded as a home care hospice organization and that component remains at the core of our mission. Last year, the vast majority of our patients were cared for at home and in the nursing homes, retirement facilities and assisted living facilities where they were residing. For those patients whose pain and symptom needs can no longer be managed at home, Gilchrist maintains a 34-bed acute inpatient facility, Gilchrist Center, in Towson.

When should I talk with my doctor/loved one about hospice care?

It’s important, when facing a terminal diagnosis, to have courageous conversations about your prognosis and options for care early and often. Studies have shown that patients with life limiting illnesses who enrolled in hospice care lived an average of 29 days longer than those who did not. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions and expect honest answers from your doctors, and don’t accept the argument that enrolling in hospice means “giving up.” Hospice is all about comfort and support for patients and families. It is about living your last days, weeks and months to the fullest, taking the time to spend precious moments with loved ones. We are always here to help with information. Just call 1-800-HOSPICE.

Are there representatives from Gilchrist at GBMC?