Frequently Asked Questions:

Does Anchorage have a hospice residence?
Not at this time. Some long term care facilities and assisted living homes offer comfort rooms for end of life care when living at home is not possible. Hospice of Anchorage will provide care wherever you are living.

What does it cost?
Hospice of Anchorage does not charge for its services. We do not bill insurances, Medicare nor Medicaid. The services are totally supported through donations from the community and are available at no cost to your family. Donations and memorial gifts are always appreciated and help ensure our hospice services will be available without cost to families in the future.

Can I still have treatments for my illness?
Individuals are welcome to continue any therapies or treatments while working with Hospice of Anchorage, including chemotherapy, radiation, antibiotics, blood transfusions, etc. While most crises can be handled through nursing consultation and support, visiting the emergency room or a hospital admission does not result in discharge from HOA. HOA does not generally provide home health type nursing such as routine blood-work or injections.

What services do you offer?
Our services include nursing, social services for emotional support and resources; volunteer clergy/spiritual, volunteers for in-home support, anticipatory grief support and bereavement support after a death (including special support for families with children), and a medical director. Hospice nurses will make regular visits, teaching caregivers how to deliver appropriate care and to ensure that pain and other symptoms are controlled. A registered nurse is on call to reassure families, troubleshoot and visit at any time if needed and will be with a family at time of death if wanted. Hospice of Anchorage does not provide round the clock in home care. We can help you locate resources if this kind of care is desired.

What if I’m not ready for nursing care or formal hospice
Some of our families request and receive information to help them prepare for the future, long before they need nursing or formal hospice services. We help people with such things as talking to children and completing advanced directives. We have a library of helpful books available and volunteers to help with life review.

Can I keep my own doctor?
Families stay with their primary physician (sometimes oncologist) as our medical director is advisory and used for consultations. Your doctor and Hospice of Anchorage will work together with your family to set up a plan of care that meets your needs. You and your family receive this care wherever the patient lives.

Are medications or equipment covered by your Hospice?
Medications and equipment are not provided by Hospice of Anchorage. Many of our families have medications or equipment paid for by their insurance company. Our social service coordinator works with families that are underinsured or without insurance to try to find payment sources for needed medications and equipment. Some equipment, such as shower chairs, walkers, and wheelchairs may be available at no charge from local loan closets. We will work with your family to try to find solutions.

Do you have home health aides?
Certified Nursing Assistants are not employed by Hospice of Anchorage. We partner with outside agencies to offer that support as needed and provide trained volunteers to assist with day to day practical tasks, errands, and emotional support for families and patients. Our volunteers do not provide hands-on patient care.

Who do you serve?
Last year we served over 100 families through hospice services. In addition we have about 65 individuals in the bereavement support, 25 families participating in Forget Me Not grief support for children and the adults who love them, as well as 10 participating in bereavement support group. Over half of the individuals we serve are under the age of 60. While most are experiencing cancer, many have other kinds of illnesses.