Patients at SOMC Hospice are accepted regardless of age, race, color, creed, national origin, handicap or ability to pay.

• The patient who has a life limiting illness in advanced stages and needs supportive treatment and care. This may include end-stage lung, kidney, heart or neurological disease, or cancer.
• The patient who is no longer undergoing curative treatment. Hospice care should be considered when treatment begins to shift from curative interventions to symptom management.
• The patient with a life expectancy of six months of less. Referral early in the terminal phase enables Hospice to provide the most supportive, personal environment for the patient and family.
• The patient with a primary caregiver available for the patient’s comfort and safety at home. A patient who is able to provide self-care at the time of referral may be accepted for hospice care provided that arrangements can be made for future needs.
• The patient who resides in Scioto, Pike, Jackson Counties or near their borders, or is a resident of a contracted nursing home.
• The patient whose physician approves the referral and agrees with hospice principles of care.
• The patient and family who are aware of the diagnosis and accept the hospice philosophy of care.