Heart disease is the top reason people over 65 go to the hospital — and that number is growing.
Many people with heart failure don’t know how sick they are. They may feel okay some days and worse on others, even in the later stages. Because of this, they may not get the care they need.
That’s where VNS Health hospice care can help.
We help people with heart failure feel more comfortable and live as fully as possible. Our team also supports caregivers with helpful information and emotional care. We work closely with your loved one’s heart doctor or primary care provider.
Our hospice care services are available in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
Hospice Benefits for People with Heart Failure
Hospice care helps people with heart failure by:
- Reducing pain and shortness of breath
- Managing other symptoms
- Supporting caregivers and easing their stress
When you stop aggressive treatments and focus on comfort, you can avoid hospital stays. This gives you and your loved ones more time together.
VNS Health hospice care also provides:
- A 24/7 caregiver helpline to reach a hospice nurse anytime
- Medicines and equipment delivered to your home
- A heart failure comfort pack (with emergency medicine to help manage symptoms and avoid hospital visits
We care for the whole family — not just the person with heart failure.
VNS Health hospice care teams don’t just care for the sick person. They support families and caregivers, too.
When to Think About Hospice Care
It’s not always easy to know when someone with heart failure needs hospice care. Look for these signs:
- More trips to the ER or calls to the doctor
- Longer or more frequent hospital stays
- Trouble breathing, even when resting
- Needing more oxygen
- Feeling very weak or tired
- More chest pain
- More changes in treatment, with less relief
- Needing more help with daily tasks like dressing or bathing
Getting the right care early can help your loved one feel better and stay out of the hospital.
What You Can Expect from VNS Health Hospice Care
For your loved one, we provide:
- Medical care for heart failure
- Personal care based on their needs
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Help with legal documents like a health care proxy
- Oxygen, medicine, and equipment at home
- A comfort pack for common symptoms
- Other services as needed
For caregivers, we provide:
- Training on how to care for your loved one
- Help with care decisions
- 24/7 access to a hospice nurse
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Help with family concerns
- Respite care so you can rest or attend important events
- Grief support for 13 months after your loved one passes
Is Hospice Care Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Hospice care is covered by:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- The Department of Veterans Affairs
- Most private insurance plans
Related Services
Emotional Support & Spiritual Care
Emotional support and spiritual care for hospice patients and their families and caregivers.
