Hospice Care
Extensive services when time may be limited.
What is Hospice Care?
LifeTouch Health hospice care provides trusted support so patients and families can focus on what matters most. We were one of the first providers of hospice services in the state – under our previous name of Arkansas Hospice – earning deep trust over decades of service.
Hospice care from LifeTouch Health is a practice of care, not a specific place of care. Unlike curative care, the primary focus of hospice is comfort care and symptom management. This change in the focus of care enhances the quality of life for patients of all ages when – and where – it’s needed most.
Who Can Benefit From Hospice Care?
LifeTouch Health’s hospice care is for any individual with a projected lifespan of six months or less, due to serious illness. Caregivers can also benefit from our services, training and grief support. Our hospice care can help when:
A patient of any age receives a life-limiting prognosis
An illness has advanced and there are questions about options of care
Curative treatment is replaced by symptom and pain management
For seriously ill children ages 20 and younger, LifeTouch Health offers an option called concurrent care that allows families of pediatric patients to continue pursuing a cure, while also receiving the comfort and benefits of hospice care.
Where is Hospice Care Provided?
Hospice services are available in a variety of settings, such as the patient’s home; an independent, assisted-living or long-term care center; or an inpatient setting. Most hospice patients receive care in their homes, on their terms.
At home
Many patients are able to remain with family or in the comfort and security of their own homes. Home hospice care services include:
24/7 access to a hospice care team
Physician-directed care
Registered nurse and home health aide visits
Diagnosis-related medications, supplies and equipment
Chaplain and spiritual assistance
Emotional support and social worker services
Respite care
Visits and support from hospice-certified volunteers
In a nursing home
LifeTouch Health does not replace nursing home care. We supplement existing services and support the nursing home physician. Services include:
Extra assistance with bathing and personal care
Hospice-related medications, supplies and equipment
Regular hospice nurse visits
Regular social worker visits
Visits and support from hospice-certified volunteers
24/7 access to on-call hospice staff, including:
Registered nurses
Chaplains
Social workers
In an inpatient center
While most patients receive care wherever they call home, there may be times when care by hospice professionals around the clock is needed for stabilization and to provide relief for family caregivers. Inpatient hospice admissions are typically short-term stays for aggressive symptom management to improve quality of life and make it possible for the patient to return to their home setting. In addition to the Ottenheimer Inpatient Center in Little Rock, we contract with other facilities in our service area for inpatient care.
What Makes LifeTouch Health Hospice Care Special?
Our comprehensive team includes doctors, nurses, hospice aides, chaplains, social workers, volunteers and bereavement specialists – all serving patients and loved ones with physical, mental and spiritual support. LifeTouch Health hospice is:
Nonprofit and community-based
State-licensed
Covered by Medicare/Medicaid, insurance or charitable care
A member of Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Arkansas
A member of the National Alliance for Care at Home
A member of National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
Continually recognized for exceptional care and service, as evidenced by our Awards & Accolades
The Truth About Hospice Care.
Don’t allow common misconceptions to interfere with precious time!
Life on your terms. While many fear that hospice care means giving up hope, it actually enables patients to live the remainder of their lives to the fullest with purpose, dignity, grace and support. Because hospice is a type of care, not a place, most patients receive care in their homes or home-like settings – allowing families to share precious time together. It is possible that a patient will improve, resulting in discharge from hospice services that can easily be resumed later, if needed.
LifeTouch Health is for everyone. As a nonprofit, we serve anyone in need of trusted care, regardless of ability to pay, age, gender, race, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status or illness.
Wondering if hospice care could help you or a loved one? Reach out today.
Caregiver Support
LifeTouch provides resources, training and counseling so you can navigate this journey with strength and confidence. Caregivers, you’re not alone.
Navigating Difficult Conversations
We offer resources that help guide difficult conversations. This communication can be an invaluable gift to patients, loved ones and medical professionals.