Hospice of Cincinnati: Comprehensive Services for Patients and Families

Holistic End-of-Life Care Model

Hospice of Cincinnati (HOC) is a nonprofit, community-based hospice serving Greater Cincinnati since 1977. It delivers the full Medicare Hospice Benefit scope plus enhanced community programs.

Core Clinical Services (Per Medicare Benefit)

• Medical Direction: Hospice Medical Director oversees plan of care; collaborates with attending physician.
• Skilled Nursing: RN case managers (visit frequency per acuity). Symptom management (pain, dyspnea, nausea, agitation), wound care, catheter/ostomy, education.
• Hospice Aides (CNAs): ADL assistance, hygiene, skin care, light housekeeping.
• Medical Social Work: Psychosocial assessment, advance care planning, resource linkage (Medicaid, VA, Meals on Wheels), caregiver support, crisis intervention.
• Spiritual Care: Chaplains (interfaith). Existential support, life review, rituals, legacy work. No proselytizing.
• Bereavement: 13-month minimum follow-up. Individual counseling, support groups (spouse, parent, child, suicide loss), memorial services, Camp Erin (grieving children).
• Volunteer Services: Companionship, respite, vigil presence, errands, specialized (Vet-to-Vet, music, pet therapy).
• Therapies: PT/OT/SLP for safety/quality of life (not rehab potential).
• Medications/DME/Supplies: Related to terminal diagnosis. Covered 100% (except $5 copay Rx).

Specialized Programs

• Pediatric Hospice (StarShine): Perinatal → age 21. Concurrent care (curative + hospice) per ACA.
• Inpatient Hospice Center (College Hill): 16-bed for acute symptom crisis or caregiver respite (GIP level).
• Palliative Care Consultation: Upstream, pre-hospice (inpatient/outpatient).
• Grief Counseling Center: Open to community, not just hospice families.

Access

Referral: Physician, hospital, self, family. 24/7 admission line. Eligibility: Physician certification of ≤6 month prognosis (if disease runs normal course). Patient elects comfort-focused goals.

HOC exemplifies the hospice ideal: expert clinical care wrapped in radical compassion.