The Karmanos Cancer Institute Hospice Program is a licensed, Medicare-certified, Joint Commission accredited, interdisciplinary program with 18 years of experience, providing expert symptom management and supportive care for patients, with any type of life limiting illness. Karmanos Hospice is dedicated to improving the quality of living for the terminally ill person and their family members. This mission is fulfilled through the provision of direct patient care, education, supportive counseling, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and supplies necessary to manage pain and other distressing symptoms. Additionally, professionals address the special needs of patients with an advanced cancer diagnosis.

Karmanos Hospice affirms life with the hope and belief that through compassionate, efficient, and effective care, patients and their families can be supported physically, medically, emotionally and spiritually to experience a peaceful end of life.

Services Available

Hospice services are available to individuals living in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Our team of physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists and spiritual counselors, assisted by home health aides and volunteers, provide skilled and individualized care for cancer patients and their families.

Primary care nurses serve as case managers and along with the two medical directors, are available on a 24-hour basis. Services are provided primarily in the patient's home.

When problems occur that cannot be managed in the home, patients can be admitted to a hospital or nursing home affiliated with the Karmanos Cancer Institute Hospice Program.

A network of support continues to be provided to the family during bereavement.

Admission

Admission to the program requires the patient's attending physician to acknowledge that the patient has a limited life expectancy. The patient and his/her family and attending physician consent to comfort and manage symptoms rather than treat the illness.

Who Pays for Hospice?

Hospice services are paid for by most insurance companies. Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross and other insurances cover the cost of Hospice. If a patient does not have insurance, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Hospice Program will work with the patient and family to provide care.

Arranging for Hospice Care

Call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) and ask to speak with the hospice department. For additional assistance, you may also ask your physician or hospital discharge planner.

Becoming a Hospice Volunteer

You can contribute your time to patients and their families by offering companionship, helping to journal life stories, providing support in the office or lending assistance with special projects. To learn more about hospice volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-KARMANOS and ask to speak with Cat Dominici in the Karmanos Hospice department.