Who is Hospice of the Good Shepherd?

Hospice of the Good Shepherd was created in 2006 to provide exceptional end-of-life services for individuals. We are owned by an association of 74 Lutheran churches in North East Ohio. Hospice of the Good Shepherd is also developing a state-of-the-art inpatient unit that will be located on the campus of The Lutheran Home at Concord Reserve in Westlake, Ohio.

Mission

Hospice of the Good Shepherd is called to express God’s love by providing comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual care for individuals and their loved ones at the end of life. We promise the highest quality of life, while preserving dignity and choice.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Hospice of the Good Shepherd does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual preference or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment. For further information about this policy, contact the Executive Director at (440) 808-6111 or use Relay Ohio by dialing 711(TTY)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hospice?

Hospice is a holistic family centered approach that focuses on palliative, (comfort care), when curative care is no longer beneficial. Hospice care centers on the person, not just the disease. Hospice team members nurture the emotional and spiritual aspects of a person, as well as addressing their physical symptoms.

Where is Hospice Care Done?

The majority of hospice care is done in the patient’s home, which may also be a nursing or assisted living facility. On occasion, there is a brief, acute episode that requires additional care to manage pain or other symptoms. In this case, the patient may be admitted to participating hospitals or inpatient facilities or additional care can be provided in the home to manage the crisis.

Who Provides Hospice Services?

In hospice, the family serves as primary caregiver and helps make decisions with the patient. Hospice of the Good Shepherd staff make regular visits to assess and care for the patient. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hospice team includes your attending physician, the Hospice Medical Director, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, trained volunteers, and physical, speech & occupational therapists as needed.

What is provided?

How is hospice care funded?

Hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most third party insurances. As a faith based, non-profit, Hospice of the Good Shepherd will coordinate financial arrangements and will turn no individual away based on their ability to pay. We rely on memorial and private donations along with community support to allow us to continue serving individuals without coverage.

Hospice is a defined benefit under both Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has posted on their website an official statement explaining the hospice program and sharing its many benefits for terminally ill individuals. Click here to read/download.

When is someone eligible for hospice?

When an individual’s condition is life-limiting, with months versus years left and the patient and family agree to comfort care. Hospice care is given at any age and for any terminal diagnosis.

If the patient is eligible for Medicare will there be any additional expenses to be paid?

Medicare covers all services, medication, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis. Medicare does state that hospices can charge 5% or a $5 co-payment for medication and a 5% co-payment for respite care. Hospice of the Good Shepherd does not require patients to pay this out of pocket expense.

How do I receive hospice care?

Anyone, including patient, family, friend or your attending physician can initiate the call requesting services. Our staff will gather information and schedule a visit with the patient/family to determine if and when services are needed. The earlier you can contact Hospice of the Good Shepherd to arrange for care, the more services we can provide to both the patient and family.

To arrange for a free consultation please call (440) 808-6111

Does hospice do anything to make death come sooner?

No, hospice looks at death as a natural process. Hospice does not prolong suffering, or make death occur sooner. It is the goal of hospice to focus on what the patient defines as quality of life and develop a care plan that will help meet that goal.

Does hospice provide any help to the family after the patient dies?

Yes, hospice will follow a patient’s family/loved ones after the death for at least thirteen months. Hospice provides calls, mailings, memorial services, support groups, and counseling to help loved ones deal with loss. Hospice of the Good Shepherd will follow the bereaved for as long as necessary to ensure that their needs are met.

How do I make a donation in memory of someone?

With our online donation option you can make a memorial, special occasion, or general donation. Just click on Make a Donation and you will be guided though a simple and secure process using your Visa or MasterCard. If you prefer, you may mail your donation in the form of a check payable to Hospice of the Good Shepherd, 2116 Dover Center Road, Westlake Ohio 44145. Please include the name and address of the deceased or person you are honoring with the donation. We will be happy to notify the family or loved one of your thoughtfulness. Please include their name and address. The amount of donation is not disclosed unless otherwise requested.

We are pleased to accept donations for any occasion. A letter will be sent to the individual you designate along with a personal message. You may also use your credit card to donate by mail; just include your Visa or MasterCard number, the person’s name appearing on the charge and the expiration date.

If a donation was made in a family member’s name, can I give this gift to Hospice of the Good Shepherd?

Yes, just endorse the check on the back side to Hospice of the Good Shepherd and mail it to the address shown on this website. If the donor’s name and address do not appear on check, please include when sending.

For information on how to make a donation through your will or other planned giving options please contact Lisa Salmons at lsalmons@hospicegs.org or (440) 808-6111 x2225.

Why should I consider Hospice of the Good Shepherd?

The Good Shepherd Difference……

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, Hospice of the Good Shepherd understands the concern’s, needs, hopes and fears of patients and families. This understanding is an essential first step in providing optimal hospice care. At Hospice of the Good Shepherd our mission is to ensure that individuals diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, and their loved ones receive compassionate, comfort-oriented care.

We have made a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing incurable illness by incorporating our faith and values in all we do.

Our team works to empower patients to live with dignity, minimize pain and symptoms, and support families/caregivers when they need it most. As a not-for-profit hospice we are devoted first and foremost to providing comprehensive patient-centered care.

Request a Speaker

The professionals at Hospice of the Good Shepherd provide presentations on the following topics, free of charge, for community groups, faith institutions, local business and specialty groups. If you would like a specific type of presentation for your group and do not see it listed below, please contact us a (440) 808-6111 or email Erin Bolan at ebolan@hospicegs.org to make a request.

The Hospice Choice