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Inpatient Facilities - Frequently Asked Questions

When a life-limiting illness is no longer manageable at home, Covenant Hospice's inpatient facilities can provide much needed comfort and support to patients and loved ones.

We have two very special facilities dedicated to fulfilling this need located in Pensacola, Florida - the Covenant Hospice Inpatient and Palliative Care Center at West Florida Hospital and our Joyce Goldenberg Hospice Inpatient Residence.

Q. Are patients with a very limited life expectancy the only ones admitted to Covenant Hospice inpatient facilities?

A. No, we accept patients in all phases of their care, from those in a crisis such as pain control, respiratory distress, or acute change in status, to those who are approaching the end of life. Patients also come to the facilities for many reasons. Some are too ill to be cared for at home and may spend their last days with us. Many patients also come to the facility with the full intent of returning to their nursing home, assisted living facility or private residence with family. They simply need help managing their medications or learning how to handle a new disease challenge that has come their way.

Q. Can a patient's condition improve while staying at an inpatient facility?

A. Yes, some people actually improve when they are made comfortable and when symptoms casued by aggressive treatment no longer add to the burdens of chronic illness. In those cases, we are able to explore further placement options or help patients and families learn how to manage this new stage in their lives together.

Q. How do I pay for Covenant Hospice care?
A. Covenant Hospice cares for everyone referred to us, regardless of the ability to pay. If a person does not have Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance to cover inpatient hospice care, we use a sliding scale to determine how much the person can contribute to the cost of their care. Some patients pay nothing. Others pay some portion of the cost, based on their income and assets. Social workers are available to discuss all financial options.

Q. Once my loved one is admitted to inpatient hospice care, will he or she still receive treatment?

A. Yes. In fact, most treatments that are done in a regular hospital environment are also done in our hospice inpatient settings, if they will add to the patient's comfort and quality of life. We work with the patient and family to evaluate the wisdom of all proposed care, and embrace only therapy that will make the patient feel better. We do not provde treatments whose only goal is to extend life, since they often cause considerable discomfort and increase distressing symptoms for the dying patient without really delivering on the promise of more time.

Q. Will I be able to stay with my loved one at the inpatient facility?

A. Yes! A family member or loved one is welcome to remain overnight with the patient. Anyone - including children - can visit at anytime. Pets are also allowed to visit at the Joyce Goldenberg Hospice Inpatient Residence.

Q. Does a person need a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order to receive Covenant Hospice care?

A. No, patients and families have the right to choose whether or not they would like to be resuscitated. Even if they choose not to resuscitated, they can change their mind at any time.

Q. How do I find out more about the Covenant Hospice Inpatient facilities or request a consultation?

A. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how you and your loved ones can benefit from the inpatient services here at Covenant Hospice.

Our warm and caring staff is happy to provde you with a personal tour, and answer any questions you have regarding inpatient care.
Take a Photo Tour.
Watch a video about Covenant Hospice's Inpatient facilities.
You can contact the facilities directly at the contact information below.

Covenant Hospice Inpatient and Palliative Care Center at West Florida Hospital
8383 N. Davis Hwy., 3 North
Pensacola, FL 32514
(850) 202-0920

Joyce Goldenberg Hospice Inpatient Residence
10075 Hillview Rd.
Pensacola, FL 32514
(850) 484-3529

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