“They treated my family member with a lot of love.”

R.S.Family Member

“Finally someone who understands and listens to a family’s needs and concerns. Thank you for your light when my family was in darkness.”

J.V.Family Member

“I just want to say to Imperial County that Aria Hospice cared for my uncle and grandpa for all their needs. They were always on time and were very responsive. I can’t thank the nurses enough for the care provided and the office staff for always accomplishing our needs – thank you very much.”

F. B.Family Member

“I would strongly recommend this place. They help me all the way and are very responsible for what they do. Always provided what we need and always in time they know what to do thank god you guys exist keep all I he good work a special thanks to Josephina she definitely understands and knows what we need – thank you so much may god bless you always.”

J.S.Family Member

Hospice Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When you are presented with the challenge of finding hospice and supportive care for emotional and physical well-being for yourself or someone you love, you will be faced with many questions, some that are obvious and some that are not.

Making the decision about hospice care is never easy, but finding the right answers can help you feel more comfortable with the options available and confident in your final decision.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions that we hope will be a good starting point in your quest for answers.

Aria Hospice welcomes your questions and comments and encourages you to email us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you with your specific situation.

Will I have my own hospice team and how often will they visit?

Every person receiving Aria Hospice services has access to a Medical Doctor, registered nurse, social worker, hospice aide, chaplain, and volunteers. The hospice team will work with you and your family to create a plan of care that will outline the actions and goals for your hospice care. All visits are based on you and your family’s needs in the care plan and your medical condition during the course of the illness. The frequency of volunteers is often dependent upon request and the availability of these services. During this time of COVID-19 restriction, Medicare has temporarily halted some visits by Volunteers.

Is Aria Hospice available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Aria Hospice is available every day, 24/7, 365 days a year and ‘on call’ after regular office hours. We follow CMS guidelines and we have nurses available to respond to a call for help within minutes. Aria Hospice has chaplains and social workers on call as well. Aria Hospice Director of Patient Care Services and owner is available via telephone 24 hours a day.

What does a hospice volunteer do?

Currently during COVID restrictions, CMS has suspended some volunteer visits. Aria Hospice volunteers will be generally available to provide different types of support to individuals and their loved ones including running errands, preparing light meals, staying with a person to give a loved ones a break, and lending emotional support and companionship to individuals and loved ones. Because hospice volunteers spend time in homes, Aria Hospice has an application and interview process to assure the person is right for this type of volunteer work. In addition, Aria Hospice has an organized training program for our volunteers. Areas covered by these training programs include understanding hospice, confidentiality, working with families, listening skills, signs and symptoms of approaching death, loss and grief and bereavement support.

What happens if I can’t be cared for at home?

Aria Hospice has Contract Agreements with nursing homes, hospitals and inpatient residential centers that care for people who cannot be cared for at home. However, the cost to live in these settings may not be fully covered by your insurance so it is best to communicate with us to find out if your insurance covers this type of care.

Can I be cared for by Aria Hospice if I reside in a nursing facility or other type of long-term care facility?

Aria Hospice services are provided to anyone who has a life-limiting illness wherever that person lives. This means a person living in a nursing facility or long-term care facility can receive specialized visits from Aria Hospice nurses, home health aides, chaplains, social workers, and volunteers, in addition to other care and services provided by the nursing facility. Aria Hospice has contract agreements in place with several nursing homes in the counties of San Diego and Imperial and is always ready to serve residents of those facilities. Medicare Part A will cover the care related to your terminal illness, but it does not cover daily room and board charges of the facility. If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, Medi-Cal will cover room and board charges. Please, contact our offices for more in-depth information on this issue.

Do state and federal reviewers inspect and evaluate hospices?

Yes. California Department of Public Health requires that hospices be licensed by the state for us to deliver care. In addition, Aria Hospice complies with Federal hospice regulations and undergoes a three day on site Medicare inspection conducted every 36 months. Aria Hospice is Accredited by the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Facilities. The Joint Commission Standards of Care are more comprehensive than the basic Medicare requirements for hospices.

The following is an example of some of the most common diseases and conditions to be under Aria Hospice care.

Alzheimer’s disease
ALS
Cancer
Heart Disease
Liver Disease
Lung Disease

Kidney Disease
Stroke
Cardiovascular Disease
Neurological conditions
HIV
Advanced Parkinson’s

We Listen. We Care. We Serve.

When you are faced with the challenge of finding a hospice provider to help care for the emotional and physical well being of someone you love, maybe your mom or dad, you will be faced with many questions.

Making the decision about hospice care for a loved one is never easy, but finding the right answers can help you feel more comfortable with the options available and confident in your final decision.

Aria Hospice operates hospice care programs throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties in Southern California. We pride ourselves on being one of the areas leading providers of end-of-life care.

Our Hospice Care Specialists are Here to Help

Call Us Today for Answers to End-of-Life Questions.

WHO CAN RECEIVE HOSPICE CARE?

Anyone diagnosed with a limited life expectancy can receive Aria Hospice care.

Once a physician certifies that an illness is terminal, (a life expectancy of six months or less), they will collaborate with the Aria Hospice team for services, tailored to the needs and wishes of the patient.

Many patients have cancer, but Aria Hospice cares for individuals with many other life-limiting illness, including heart and lung disease, kidney disease, neurological disorders, stroke, Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Family and friends also receive the benefit of hospice care, to help them support the patient and adapt to changes in their lives.

Many people mistakenly believe that all hospice patients are bed-bound, critically ill, and unable to continue living life to the fullest. Hospice celebrates life and supports you in achieving your individual needs in this chapter of your life.

Contact our Admission Coordinator at Aria Hospice in San Diego County or Imperial County with any questions you may have about hospice care or eligibility.

WHY CHOOSE ARIA HOSPICE CARE?

After receiving a diagnosis for limited life expectancy, patients must make an important choice about goals for their treatment.

When a physician determines that there is no curative treatment for a particular illness, the treatment is not helping any longer or you decide that the side effects of treatment are too great, you may consider choosing comfort care as your ultimate goal.

Aggressive medical treatment focuses on curing the physical illness rather than satisfying the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs. It often requires intensive care in a clinical setting that can diminish quality of life. Hospice care has the focus of comfort, by relieving pain and other symptoms, while continuing to address emotional and spiritual needs of both the patient and family.

Hospice care neither prolongs life nor hastens death, but relieves pain and physical discomfort so that the patient can experience a more peaceful and satisfying quality of life. At Aria Hospice, care is designed to primarily take place in the home or place of residence. Many families tell us that they waited too long to take full advantage of all the benefits offered by hospice care.

SEE WHAT FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ARIA HOSPICE

Our Team is Here to Help!

We are one of Southern California’s premier providers of end-of-life care. Click the button below to Request Information or call (619) 795-6010 to learn how hospice care can help.