MJHS Hospice Care

At Home

Now more than ever, patients and their families want the peace-of-mind that comes from receiving care and support for an advanced illness at home. And MJHS Hospice is here to make that possible. We adhere to all CDC Infection control guidelines and always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of our patients and their loved ones.

If care at home is not an option, we can also provide hospice care in an assisted living community or nursing home. We can also provide an inpatient level of care within the major health systems in the York Area; Mount Sinai, NewYork Presbyterian and Amedisys.

No matter where you receive  care, you can count on MJHS Hospice to provide a team of care specialists that patients and families can go to, not only for care, but for answers. We are here to provide the support and care you need.

Skilled or Assisted Living Facility

For our patients who are already living in a skilled or assisted living facility, our hospice team can work with the facility to coordinate the best plan of care. Providing hospice care at a skilled or assisted living facility does not take the place of the facility’s existing staff. We supplement the facility’s care and coordinate between doctors, nursing staff, the patient, family and others to ensure you are always comfortable and your needs are being met. For a list of facilities that we can provide hospice care in, click here.

Inpatient Hospice Care

There are some circumstances when the patient’s symptoms cannot be controlled at home and there is a need to have a specialized team provide a General Inpatient Level of Care in an inpatient care facility such as a hospital or nursing home. This setting provides patients with 24/7 support to help stabilize their condition and optimize symptom management. Inpatient facilities can be located within a hospital or dedicated hospice setting. Once your symptoms are under control, you will return to your residence.

Hospital

Patients who are extremely ill may receive hospice care in a hospital setting. Our hospice team will work with the hospital staff to ensure your comfort. When your condition stabilizes, our hospice team will coordinate with the hospital discharge planner to assure a smooth transition to the appropriate setting.

When is the right time to discuss hospice care?

Now is the best time to discuss the options available to you or a loved one through hospice. Although end-of-life care may be difficult to discuss, the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to plan in advance and share your wishes long before it becomes a concern. This can greatly reduce stress when the time to start receiving hospice services becomes apparent. By having these discussions in advance, uncomfortable situations can be avoided. Instead, educated decisions can be made that include the advice and input of the loved one who’s effected.

Who is eligible to receive hospice services? 

Any person, at any age, can receive hospice services.

Medicare Part A sets forth the criteria for the hospice benefit and most other insurers also follow these guidelines. The criteria for hospice eligibility are established by state and federal regulations and require certification by a licensed physician stating that an individual has a “life-limiting” illness. The eligibility requires that the physician certify the patient has six months or less to live if the disease follows its usual course. There are no illnesses or treatments that automatically exclude access to hospice care. Eligibility is established on a case-by-case basis.

Here is a list of common signs that may help you decide if end-of-life care is the right choice for you or a loved one:

• You’ve decided to no longer receive treatments to cure your illness
• A physician has given you a prognosis of six months or less if the illness were to run its normal course
• There are no further treatments available, and you want to focus care on comfort and relieving symptoms
• You have an increase in pain and nausea, as well as breathing difficulties
• There’s been an increase in your number of hospital stays and emergency room visits

MJHS Hospice can help address any questions you may have about eligibility. Just call us at: 212-420-3370

Care For Your Child At Any Stage Of Illness

If your ill child is under 18, they may be eligible to receive pediatric hospice care. The MJHS pediatric team can provide comfort care for your child at any stage of their illness, even if they are still undergoing curative treatment. We are also here to guide you on what to expect as your child’s illness progresses and offer the support needed to help you and your child maintain the best possible quality of life.

We understand that as a parent, you are forced to juggle many responsibilities and often, there is nobody you can talk to who truly understands your situation and can offer concrete help navigating the clinical and emotional challenges ahead. This is where MJHS can step in.

MJHS, the Care You Need

Our MJHS care team includes highly trained pediatric hospice physicians and nurse practitioners, pediatric nurses, and social workers. All team members have specialized training in treating distressing physical symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and emotional challenges, such as anxiety, depression, spiritual distress, and family difficulties. In addition to the care we can provide, the team can also help connect you to community services that will lend additional support.

To find out more about the MJHS Pediatric Hospice program or request care, please call (212) 420-3370 or Contact MJHS.

The hospice plan of care is a guide to providing you with the care you want and need. It is developed in collaboration with you, the interdisciplinary care team, your physician, and family members.  As part of this plan, the team will determine the frequency of home visits, services and level of care needed.

Some of these may include:

• Visits by members of the interdisciplinary team: Hospice physician, registered nurse, social worker, spiritual care support, creative arts therapist, home health aide and volunteers.
• Medical and nursing management of the physical symptoms of your illness.
• Emotional and spiritual support / counseling for you and primary caregiver(s).
• Medications, medical equipment including oxygen, supplies and durable medical equipment.
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, speech language pathology, dietary counseling, and laboratory services, as appropriate and with hospice physician approval.

There are four levels of hospice care available. Your level of care will depend on your needs and may change over the course of your treatment:

Routine Home Care—This care is provided in the comfort of your own home…whether it is a private residence, assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility.

General Inpatient Care—General inpatient level of care is for short-term acute episodes. It is initiated when other efforts to manage symptoms are ineffective. This level of care is provided in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, and is for the treatment of uncontrolled symptoms and pain that cannot be managed in any other setting.

Continuous Care (a.k.a Crisis Care)—This level of care is time-limited and offered only during a symptom crisis. Skilled nursing care is provided in your residence for at least 8 hours a day and may be provided for up to 24 hours, with the goal of treating your uncontrolled symptoms.

Respite Care—This short-term care is provided in a skilled nursing facility. It is recommended when your caregiver is unable to provide care for reasons of travel, illness or caregiver fatigue.

Learn more about the four levels of hospice care.

Members of Your Interdisciplinary Team

The Hospice Physician provides medical guidance for your interdisciplinary care team and participates in care planning. They may make home visits as needed, and upon request can assume the role of primary care physician.

Your RN case manager coordinates all aspects of your care, working closely with you and all other members of your care team. They will evaluate your physical needs and work with you and your physician to implement all necessary and covered services to meet those needs. Our RNs provide expert teaching in skilled procedures to help caregivers feel confident in their ability to care for you at home.

Your social worker offers emotional support through counseling one-on-one or in groups. They can also help you navigate personal, social and financial matters and are available to assist patients and families with advance care planning.

A Home Health Aide (HHA) will provide personal care such as bathing, dressing and meals.

A minister / chaplain / rabbi will provide emotional and spiritual support to families of all faiths through visits, prayer and counseling.

Volunteers can provide support through companionship and respite for caregivers. All volunteers complete a specialized training program.

Depending on your care needs, a physical, occupational or speech therapist may provide additional specialized care for optimal function and safety.

In addition to the care included in your hospice benefit, we also provide additional support designed to assist with patients’ and their families’ physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs. Many of these services are not covered by insurance and are made possible by donations to our Foundation. We make an effort to provide them whenever possible because we know the difference they make in the lives of our patients and families.

Some of these additional support services include; 

Creative Arts Therapy

Visual art, music, and literature color the world we live in. Enjoying the arts provides a creative outlet to express emotions, and engage with others, even as the patient’s condition progresses.

Ethics Review Committee

We recognize that sometimes care recommendations may cause families to have conflicting feelings based on their values and beliefs, so we want to provide families with resources to work through those feelings in a productive environment. Through the Ethics Review Committee, families receive extra support in understanding the different approaches to caring and how these choices fit with family values and beliefs.

Bereavement Support

At MJHS, the death of a loved one does not end our concern for your family or those individuals closest. After a family member or loved one passes, our Bereavement team is there to provide education and support at no cost for 13 months after the death of a loved one.

We recognize that grief and loss can impact lives long after a loved one has died. Our Creative Arts Therapy Program also employs specially trained and licensed music and art therapists to address the unique needs of children, adolescents and adults confronting loss.

At MJHS, we recognize and respect that every family is unique, with their own set of individual needs, sensitivities, and beliefs. We understand that past experiences, family structure, and religious affiliations all play a significant role in shaping a patient’s behaviors, preferences, and decisions regarding their care. It is our profound responsibility to fully comprehend and acknowledge these factors in order to provide the highest quality of care.

To ensure we meet these diverse needs, we prioritize continuous education, training, and collaboration with community organizations. By staying informed and up-to-date, we have developed comprehensive standards of care that effectively address our patients’ sensitivities, beliefs, and preferences.

Our commitment to specialty care goes beyond mere words. We actively incorporate these principles into our practices, ensuring that our patients and their families feel seen, heard, and respected throughout their health care journey. Our dedicated team undergoes regular training and professional development to cultivate a deep understanding of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and faiths.

Some of the specialized areas of focus in our specialty care include:

1. Cultural Sensitivity: We prioritize cultural competency and strive to understand the specific needs, values, and traditions associated with different cultures. This enables us to provide care that aligns with each patient’s cultural background, fostering a sense of belonging and comfort.
2. Family Dynamics: We appreciate that family structures can vary significantly, and we work diligently to understand and support the dynamics and relationships within each unique family unit. By recognizing and respecting these dynamics, we ensure that our care plans are inclusive and considerate of everyone involved.
3. Religious Beliefs: We recognize the importance of religious beliefs and their impact on health care decisions. Our team is trained to be sensitive and respectful to diverse religious practices, accommodating specific requirements and preferences whenever possible.
4. Trauma-Informed Care: We understand that past experiences, including traumatic events, can significantly affect an individual’s well-being and health care journey. Our approach is rooted in trauma-informed care, which means we provide a safe and supportive environment, taking into account potential triggers and ensuring patient comfort at all times.

At MJHS, specialty care is not just a concept; it is an ongoing commitment to meet the diverse needs of our patients and their families. We strive to create an inclusive, empathetic, and culturally sensitive health care experience that values the individuality and uniqueness of each person we serve

At MJHS, We Honor Veterans

At MJHS, we take great pride in honoring and caring for the brave veterans who selflessly served in the military, defending the freedom of others. Our commitment revolves around providing exceptional care that encompasses respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and sincere appreciation. We understand the significance of delivering person-centered, trauma-informed care tailored specifically to the unique military culture.

To ensure comprehensive support for each patient and their family, we have designated a dedicated Veteran Liason. This invaluable resource addresses their needs, offers guidance, and facilitates access to the veteran benefits and entitlements they deserve.

We are proud to announce that MJHS Hospice has received prestigious recognition from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). We have achieved the distinction of being the very first We Honor Veterans (WHV) Level 5 Partner in the NY Metropolitan area. Furthermore, we are proud to serve as a mentor to other hospices, sharing our expertise and experience as a WHV role model.

At MJHS, honoring veterans is an integral part of our compassionate mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the highest quality of care and support to those who have courageously served our nation.

LGBTQ+ Sensitive Care

At MJHS, we are deeply committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all patients and families, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. Our goal is to ensure that every individual feels affirmed, welcomed, and respected throughout their care journey. To achieve this, we have prioritized education and advocacy, working in partnership with SAGECare, a renowned organization specializing in LGBTQ+ cultural competency.

By collaborating with SAGECare, we continuously strive to establish industry-leading standards and best practices in LGBTQ+ care. We understand the unique needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the context of aging and healthcare, and we are dedicated to addressing these issues proactively.

To demonstrate our commitment, MJHS has achieved the prestigious Platinum Level Credential from SAGECare in LGBTQ Aging Cultural Competency. This recognition serves as a testament to our ongoing efforts to enhance our understanding, knowledge, and sensitivity in providing compassionate care to LGBTQ+ patients.

Through continuous education, training, and fostering a supportive environment, we aim to ensure that our staff members are well-equipped to deliver inclusive care that acknowledges and respects the diverse identities and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

At MJHS, LGBTQ+ sensitive care is an integral part of our core values. We are honored to serve as advocates for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, and we strive to create a health care experience that promotes dignity, compassion, and empowerment for all.

Jewish Care Program

At MJHS, we are dedicated to providing specialized care that honors and respects the spiritual values and religious beliefs of our Jewish patients. Our Jewish Program is designed to cater to the unique needs and traditions of the Jewish community, ensuring a culturally sensitive and spiritually enriching health care experience.

Some of the key components of our Jewish Program include:

1. Holocaust Survivor Care: We understand the profound impact of the Holocaust on survivors and their families. Our dedicated staff members are educated in and sensitive to the history of the Holocaust, its lifelong effects, and how it may influence the end-of-life experience. We provide respectful, person-centered, trauma-informed care that acknowledges and supports Holocaust survivors and their families through this journey.
2. Funeral Planning and Coordination: We recognize the importance of prompt and respectful burial within the Jewish tradition. Our team can assist with funeral planning and coordinate with the Chevra Kadisha, the sacred burial society, to ensure that the burial takes place within 24 hours, as per Jewish customs.
3. Halachic Pathway: For Jewish patients and their families, we understand the significance of including a designated rabbinic advisor (or Posek) in the medical decision-making process. At MJHS, we respect and facilitate this by actively involving the chosen rabbinic advisor in discussions and decisions regarding the patient’s care. If requested, we can provide assistance in suggesting appropriate rabbinic advisors based on the patient’s specific needs.
4. Cultural and Spiritual Practices: Our Rabbinic Pastoral Care Providers at MJHS are well-versed in Jewish traditions, marking the Sabbath and Jewish holidays with reverence and respect. They are available to support patients and their families in observing these practices, ensuring that cultural and spiritual traditions are honored and maintained during their health care journey.
5. Recitation of Kaddish: We understand the importance of the mourner’s prayer, Kaddish, in the Jewish tradition. Our team can assist in facilitating the recitation of Kaddish, offering guidance and support to individuals and families during the mourning period.

At MJHS, our Jewish Program goes beyond meeting basic health care needs. We strive to provide a comprehensive and compassionate experience that embraces the Jewish heritage and values of our patients. By integrating cultural, spiritual, and religious elements into our care, we aim to foster a sense of comfort, belonging, and dignity for Jewish individuals and their families.

As a Patient You Have the Right To:

Make Decisions about Treatment Adults in New York State have the right to accept or refuse medical treatment, including life-sustaining treatment. Our constitution and state laws protect this right. This means that you have the right to request or consent to treatment, to refuse treatment before it has started and to have treatment stopped once it has begun.

Decide about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Your right to decide about treatment includes the right to decide about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is emergency treatment to restart the heart and lungs when your breathing or circulation stops. Sometimes doctors and patients decide in advance that CPR should not be provided, and the doctor gives the medical staff an order not to resuscitate (DNR order). If your physical or mental condition prevents you from deciding about CPR, someone you appoint can decide.

Decide About Do Not Intubate (DNI) Do not intubate (DNI) means that no breathing tube will be placed in the throat in the event of breathing difficulties or respiratory arrest. If you stop breathing, you will not be placed on an artificial breathing machine, and the insertion of a tube or mechanical ventilation will not be initiated. The DNI order can be a separate advance directive from the DNR order, but in most cases they are ordered together.

Get your Health Care Proxy and Living Will Templates

NYS Living Will
Health Care Proxy

Self-Determination is the Right to Participate in Your Own Health Care Decision Making

Advance directives are written documents that assist you in communicating your wishes regarding your medical care if you become physically or mentally unable to communicate due to an accident or illness. Many types of advance directive documents exist. Below are examples of four advance directive documents:

1. A health care proxy is a written document that allows you to choose a designated person to make medical decisions on your behalf when your doctor determines you are unable to do so for yourself.
2. A living will is a document that contains your health care wishes and is addressed to unnamed family, friends, hospitals and other health care facilities. It allows you to express your health care wishes in the event your doctor determines you are no longer able to make medical decisions for yourself.
3. A do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is a written document that tells medical professionals to not perform CPR if your breathing or heartbeat stops. Doctors issue DNR orders.
4. Halachic pathway assures that a patient’s family and chosen rabbinic advisor, or Posek, can be included in the medical decision-making process.