More about Hospice of Health First
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For more than 25 years, Hospice of Health First has been leading hospice care in Brevard County Florida — enabling patients to remain at home during most or all of an end-of life illness, relatively free from pain, surrounded by family and friends, and living the rest of life as fully as possible. Originating in the Middle Ages, the term "hospice" at that time referred to a place for travelers or strangers to stop for solace and refreshment before continuing on their journey.
Our services
The professional staff at Hospice of Health First is on call 24 hours/seven days a week. Our associates provide the skilled nursing care and support services necessary to meet the daily needs of the patient and his or her immediate family during this difficult time.
The hospice patient plan of care is developed by the hospice team to meet the specific needs of each patient and their entire family (as a holistic family unit). The interdisciplinary hospice team consists of:
- Hospice medical director
- Attending physician
- Registered nurses
- 24/7 availability to address pain and symptom management
- Communicates with patient’s physician and hospice medical director
- Routine visits, continuous care, and respite services available
- Social workers
- Advanced care planning, including advance directives, funeral planning, insurance eligibility, and transportation
- Supportive counseling available to enhance the patient and family’s ability to cope with a life-limiting illness
- Home health aides
- Provide activities of daily living assistance and total care for patients
- Provide the patient and family with companionship and respite care as needed
- Clergy
- Volunteers
- Bereavement specialists
- Services are provided for at least 13 months and tailored to the individual and family
- Group and individual sessions to deal with loss, provided at no cost
Bright Star is a specialized children’s program for grief and loss that encourages the expression of grief experiences through creative, positive play within a peer group setting. Located at 300 E. New Haven Avenue in Melbourne, the Bright Star Center’s uniquely decorated loft is child- and family-friendly. Call the center at 321.733.7672 for more information.
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Admission to hospice
The following are necessary for admission:
- The consent and/or referral of the patient’s physician
- The patient must currently reside in Brevard County
- The patient has been diagnosed as having a life-limiting illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live
- The patient has an available caregiver to make decisions
Referrals
Referrals to our hospice program come from many sources, including patient and family requests. However, the patient’s attending physician must authorize services, and all care is coordinated with, and progress is reported to, the patient’s attending physician. If you or a loved one is in need of hospice care, ask your doctor for a referral to Hospice of Health First.
Funding and payment for hospice care
Medicare and many group and private insurance programs, including Medicaid and TriCare, cover hospice services, but as a not-for-profit organization, no one is refused hospice care regardless of their ability to pay. The chart below compares benefits between hospice, hospitals, and home health agencies:
| Description |
Hospice
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Hospital
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Home health agency
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| Drugs for pain and symptom control to be used at home |
Yes
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No
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No
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| Skilled services covered whether or not patient is homebound |
Yes
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—
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No
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| Deductibles waived |
Yes
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No
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No
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| Limited respite for the family caring for the patient at home |
Yes
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No
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No
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| Continuous care at home during period of crisis |
Yes
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No
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No
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| Social work services at home for both the patient and the family |
Yes
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No
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No
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| Home health aides |
Yes
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No
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No
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Bereavement counseling
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Yes
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No
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No
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| Volunteers are available |
Yes
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No
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No
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| Care will be continued if benefits run out |
Yes
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No
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No
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| Personal comfort items as needed |
Yes
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—
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No
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| Limited inpatient hospital stay to include the William Childs Hospice House |
Yes
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—
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No
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Volunteers
A corps of volunteers is specially trained in the hospice concept through an intensive program that includes coursework and practical experience. Volunteers of all ages, beginning with our high school TL2 teen program, work in conjunction with other members of the hospice team to provide support and companionship for patients and families. If you’d like to become a hospice volunteer, please call our office a 321.952.0494.
About us
Hospice of Health First doesn’t discriminate against patients, families, staff members, or volunteers based on race, color, national origin, creed, financial capacity, mental or physical handicaps, or age. We’re:
- Accredited by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
- A member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and Florida Hospices and Palliative Care
- Licensed by the State of Florida
- Certified by Medicare and Medicaid
Our mission
Founded in 1978 through the grassroots efforts of special individuals in Brevard, Hospice of Health First exists in the hope and belief that we can create a supportive environment in which a person who has a life-threatening illness is treated with respect, and therefore prepared for a dignified death that’s satisfactory to the person and those who participate in the person’s care. As a not-for-profit organization, we’re committed to providing outstanding quality, value, and service to all who need hospice care, regardless of ability to pay.
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