Hospice Services

Mountain View Hospice is a dedicated team of trained professionals and volunteers committed to providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients, their families and significant others.  Terminally ill patients are defined as patients who are no longer responding to aggressive curative therapies or treatment.   

Our goal at Mountain View Hospice is to focus on improving quality of life and addressing the medical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient, their family and significant others.  Hospice respects patient’s wishes to die a natural death in a familiar environment with comfort (pain free), peace and dignity.    

What is Hospice?

Hospice was established in medieval times defined as a place of shelter and rest for the weary or sick traveler on long journeys.  Dr. Cicely Saunders, a British Physician, established St. Christopher’s Hospice near London on 1967.  Again a team of professional caregivers providing compassionate care for the dying, a service offered by Hospice over the times.  Compassionate care that focused on symptom and pain control techniques.  Hospice was initiated in the Untied States in 1974 in New Haven Connecticut.  And as history has it, today Hospice has become the model for providing compassionate care for patients encountering terminal illnesses.   

What services does Hospice provide?

Each patient’s case is viewed as individual and unique.  Care plans are established between the patient and team based on needs for improved quality of life, comfort, peace and dignity.  Durable medical equipment and medications are provided per need associated with Hospice diagnosis. Short term inpatient crisis, acute symptom management or caregiver respite. Hospice does not prolong or enhance end of life.

Services are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Hospice does not utilize 911 for emergencies unless assessed and directed by the Hospice RN.     

Who provides Hospice care?

Hospice care is provided by a dedicated team of trained professionals and volunteers.  Our services included:

• Physician - Medical Director
• Registered Nurses
• Medical Social Worker
• Licensed Therapies (Physical, Occupational and Speech)
• Home Health Aide
• Dietary Counseling
• Chaplain
• Volunteers
• Bereavement Services
• Office Staff

How is Hospice paid for?

• Medicare Part A
• Medicaid
• Private Insurance
• Donations 

Hospice services will be provided regardless of age, race, sex, religion or ability to pay.

Who is eligible for Hospice?

Hospice is a choice by patients and families when the decision for comfort care with no further curative treatment has been made. Eligibility is based on a Physician’s order and certification of terminal illness with life expectancy of 6 months or less.  

When should Hospice be contacted?

Hospice should be contacted as soon as a terminal diagnosis and decisions for no further curative treatment have been established.  When a Physician feels comfortable documenting that they would not be astonished if their patient should die within 6 months. Early contact allows Hospice an opportunity to establish caregiver relationships which, enhances opportunities to provide a complete source of supportive services. 

What follow up services does Hospice provide?

Grief is a natural response following a death. Hospice provides many sources of support and companionship through these difficult times.

• Bereavement Companionship – 13-month individual companionship
• Journey’s Newsletter
• Educational Materials
• Support Groups
• Monthly Lunch Groups
• Light Up a Life Remembrance Celebration 

For more information visit: Bereavement Support Group.

Where does Mountain View Hospice provide services?

• Jefferson & Wasco County
• Gateway
• Mt. Hood Treeline
• Antelope
• Shaniko
• Three Rivers
• Other surrounding areas with future goals of extending into Crooked River Ranch Jefferson County service area 

Mountain View Hospice is a non-profit agency which depends on private gifts and donations to provide additional services and care for those unable to pay.  For more information please call 541-475-3882 ext. 2310