About Us

Touch of Care Hospice

Our Mission

At Touch of Care Hospice, our unwavering commitment is to be a beacon of support for individuals in their most challenging times. With professionalism at the core, we strive to deliver compassionate care that resonates with the unique needs of each community member we serve.

Our Vision

Empowered by a vision of excellence, Touch of Care Hospice aspires to redefine the standard of care, aiming for the pinnacle of quality. Simultaneously, we endeavor to be a cornerstone for meaningful employment within our community, fostering an environment where individuals can contribute to a higher purpose while building fulfilling careers.

PAYING FOR CARE

Medicare

Our hospice care services are covered by Medicare if you have Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and meet specific eligibility criteria:

Certification from both the hospice medical director and another physician indicating terminal illness (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less).
Choosing comfort-directed care over curative treatment.
Signing a statement opting for hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness.
Continuation of hospice services beyond the initial 6 months requires recertification by the hospice medical director.

Medicare Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

Medicare HMOs, such as Kaiser Permanente and Secure Horizons, also extend coverage for hospice care without the need to relinquish other HMO coverage.

Colorado Medicaid

For those qualifying for regular Medicaid benefits in Colorado, there is a hospice benefit covering the same services as Medicare. Additionally, Medicaid may cover room and board in a skilled care facility or assisted living community.

Private Insurance

Most private insurance plans provide a hospice benefit. To confirm eligibility, Touch of Care Hospice can assist in the verification process.

Self-Pay

Individuals opting for self-payment can contact Touch of Care Hospice to discuss and establish suitable payment arrangements. Please feel free to reach out for further information.

Hospice services become a pivotal resource when curative measures have been exhausted, and life prognosis is estimated to be six months or less.

WHO WE ARE

Hospice represents a distinctive approach to medical care, oriented towards enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing illnesses, diseases, or conditions where a cure is unlikely. Our tailored care plans evolve dynamically to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the often challenging experience of terminal illness. Beyond the patient, we extend practical support to caregivers during the illness and provide compassionate grief support post bereavement.

Hospice services become a pivotal resource when curative measures have been exhausted, and life prognosis is estimated to be six months or less.

Comprehensive Services Include:

Expert care from the hospice team, comprising visits by the hospice physician, nurse, medical social worker, home-health aide, chaplain/spiritual caregiver, volunteers, and bereavement counselor.
Administration of medications for symptom control and pain relief.
Provision of medical equipment and supplies, such as wheelchairs, walkers, bandages, and catheters.
Physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, and dietary counseling.
Additional Medicare-covered services recommended by the hospice team for effective pain and symptom management.
Short-term inpatient care when optimal pain and symptom management proves challenging in the home setting.
Short-term respite care to alleviate caregiver strain and prevent “caregiver burnout.”
Grief and loss counseling tailored for both patients and their loved ones.

Limitations on Medicare Hospice Benefit:

Notably, not all services provided to hospice care enrollees fall under the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The benefit excludes coverage for:

Treatments intended to cure the terminal illness or unrelated conditions.
Prescription drugs intended for curative purposes or unrelated to the terminal illness.
Room and board in nursing homes or hospice residential facilities.
Ambulance transportation or care in emergency rooms or inpatient facilities unless arranged by the hospice team or unrelated to the terminal illness.

Medical Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for hospice services, certification from a hospice physician and a second physician (often the attending physician or a specialist) is required. Typically, life expectancy must be six months or less if the illness follows its usual course. Recertification is possible for patients living beyond six months if their condition continues to decline. Conversely, if their condition improves, discharge from hospice service is considered, ensuring a seamless transition of care by a primary care physician or clinic. Eligibility for hospice service is revisited if their condition begins to decline again.

Patient-Centric Care Setting:

Hospice services are delivered in the environment the patient considers home, whether it’s a private residence, a hospital, assisted living center, skilled nursing facility, or, in some instances, within our dedicated inpatient centers.