What is Hospice?

Hospice is a special kind of care designed to provide support for individuals living with terminal illness. 

The word "hospice" originates from the Latin word hospes, which refers to both the visitor and the host.  In the middle ages, hospice was a place of refuge for exhausted travelers and the sick.  This concept of caring for one another has permeated throughout the centuries and has evolved into the modern hospice program which specializes in care for the terminally ill.  

Embrace Hospice utilizes a team approach for caring for the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of the patient and their family members.  This interdisciplinary care method translates to all staff members working together to meet goals and care for the patient.  The patient and family always remain in control of the plan of care, with their nurse serving as their team leader.  


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Who Pays for Hospice?

For thirty (30) years, the Medicare Hospice benefit has provided a model for financing end-of-life care that can bring great relief and support to families during one of life's most difficult times.  This benefit covers virtually all aspects of hospice care with little out-of-pocket expense to patients and/or families.  As a result, the financial burden often associated with caring for a terminally-ill patient are lifted.  

Hospice is paid for through the Medicare Hospice benefit (Part A), Medicaid, and most private insurance companies and policies.  Patients and families who are not covered by any of the aforementioned programs can contact us to discuss available financial options.  

For the Embrace Hospice House, there are typically no charges to the patient and/or family whom have Medicare Part A, Medicaid, and/or another qualified insurance plan, expect for Residential (Routine Home Care) level of hospice care, for which there is a Room and Board charge for either a private (single-occupancy) or semi-private (double-occupancy) room.  

Levels of Hospice Care

Routine Home Care.  The most common level of hospice care.  The hospice team of nurses, certified nursing aides, social workers, spiritual care coordinators, and volunteers visit the patient through scheduled weekly visits.  The amount of visits is determined by each individual patient's plan of care. 
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General Inpatient (GIP).  This level is for patients who have uncontrollable symptoms and would need admission to an inpatient facility for acute care.  In-patient care allows the hospice team to monitor the patient around the clock for better symptom management and pain relief. 

Respite Care.  Respite is no different than Routine Home Care, except for the patient stays within a qualified facility (such as the Embrace Hospice House).  This is usually performed when family caregivers need a break from the stress of caring for their loved one.  Typically the patient is monitored for periods of up to five (5) consecutive days.   

Embrace Hospice features the only standalone inpatient hospice facility in Horry and Georgetown Counties of South Carolina.  We are committed to providing the highest quality of care possible to each and every patient.  Ask your hospice provider today about admission to the Embrace Hospice House!  

​Embrace Hospice House
Spiritually Driven, Quality Focused Care
175 Village Center Blvd. 
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
​(843) 353-6228