VNA Hospice Western Pennsylvania

Providing physical, emotional and spiritual care for patients and their families during the final phase of life.

Medicare Certified • Medicaid Certified 
Joint Commission Accredited

Adult Bereavement
Youth Bereavement

Hospice Philosophy of Care

Hospice is a philosophy of care which enables patients and families to make choices about care in life’s final stage.
Patient/Family needs are best met using an interdisciplinary team. The team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, home health aides, physical, occupational and speech therapists, nutritionists, pastoral counselors and volunteers.
Visits are scheduled to meet ever changing needs. Hospice nurses are also on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with questions and problems.

Hospice Eligibility

Hospice care is recommended for patients who would benefit from supportive rather than curative treatment. There are no restrictions as to age or disease. Referrals for Hospice care may come from patients or caregivers, hospital discharge planners or physician offices. Anyone may request Hospice services. All care is provided under the direction of the patient’s physician. The cost of Hospice care is usually covered by health insurance.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit is available to qualified patients while others may utilize home health care benefits.

Goals of Hospice

• To provide emotional and spiritual support to both patient and family
• To help manage physical symptoms of disease progression such as pain and nausea
• To enhance the quality of life
• To offer support during bereavement for at least one year

Hospice Bereavement Program

Monthly group meetings in Armstrong and Butler Counties and the Alle-Kiski Valley are designed to explore and express participants’ feelings and share experiences with other group members. Please click on the link to learn more about the Hospice Bereavement Program. or  Camp Connections - Bereavement Camp for Children Ages 3-17

Hospice Volunteer Program

Hospice volunteers provide respite for the caregiver allowing them to run errands, take a nap, go to personal appointments, catch up on reading, paperwork, housework, etc. They listen and provide companionship and support for the patient and family members. Some hospice volunteers prefer to provide clerical support in the Hospice Office rather than work directly with patients and families. Volunteers receive extensive training to prepare them for their important role as a Hospice Volunteer. Please click on the link to learn more about the Hospice Volunteer Program.

Caring Decisions Program

This program, offered exclusively through VNA Hospice, Western Pennsylvania, offers you and your loved ones the opportunity to discuss and explore options regarding health care choices when facing a serious illness of any kind.