Above: James E. Brooks, Retired Master Sergeant, USAF, proudly stands with the American flag outside Hospice of Texarkana's office.

What is Hospice Care?
Hospice of Texarkana/Hospice of Hope specializes in medical, emotional and spiritual care for persons of any age with life threatening illness, as well as emotional and spiritual support to their families. Our professional and volunteer staff provides services in residences, assisted living facilities and in hospitals.

If you or someone you love is seriously ill, please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. Since 1985, Hospice of Texarkana has provided compassionate care to thousands of patients and many times that number of family members.

Services Hospice patients receive:
Hospice services may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private insurance. No patient is declined services because of an inability to pay. Hospice of Texarkana's patients receive these services:

• Medical Doctor and Nurse Practitioner available to make home visits so patients receive timely interventions as symptoms arise. Service available when requested by patient's attending physician.
• Skilled Nurses are on call 24 hours a day to make home visits, monitor pain and symptom management and instruct caregivers in patient care.
• Hospice Aides/Homemaker Aides provide assistance with personal care and assist with activities of daily living.
• Dietician, Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapists are available as needed.
• Trained Volunteers befriend patients and can sit with them for brief periods so caregivers can run errands. Some volunteers assist in the office by answering phones, filing, etc.
• The Social Worker offers support and assistance to the patient and loved ones.
• Chaplains are available to help with spiritual needs, exploring any religious avenue that might bring peace of mind in the face of death ... for the patient and loved ones.
• Prescription drugs, relative to patient's terminal illness, are provided.
• Hospitalization for short-term, acute level attention; symptom control; and/or respite care is available. Hospice's patients are promptly admitted to pre-assigned rooms when admitted to the hospital
• Durable Medical Equipment & Medical Supplies
• Bereavement services including support groups for adults and children

Becoming a Hospice patient
It is a natural, human characteristic to hope for a longer life. When this is not possible, Hospice of Texarkana/Hospice of Hope offers much needed support for patients and their families. Hospice services neither postpone nor hasten death, but rather help the patient live as fully as possible until the end of their life.

A patient must have been diagnosed as having a life expectancy of six months or less and have opted for a palliative rather than a curative plan of care.

Anyone can refer someone for hospice care. Typically, it is a healthcare professional; however, the patient, family members, a clergy member or friends can also request Hospice services. The patient's primary physician will be contacted to approve hospice care. Hospice services are physician directed. See who is eligible here, or call 903-794-4263 and ask for an Admissions Nurse to learn more.