The Certified Hospice Program of Neighborhood Health Agencies, Inc. (NHA), a part of The Chester County Hospital and Health System, focuses care on comfort and quality of life for patients and their families facing end-of-life issues. Patients' medical, psychosocial and spiritual needs are met through the expertise of hospice team members, including physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, therapists, volunteers and a bereavement coordinator.

Hospice care is appropriate when one's life expectancy is measured in months rather than years, due to a life-limiting illness such as heart or lung disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, renal failure, or Parkinson's. The Hospice Program neither hastens nor postpones death; rather, it allows families to care for loved ones in familiar and comfortable surroundings. Hospice care can be provided in the home; skilled nursing, assisted living, and continuous care facilities; or NHA's hospice in-patient unit.

Last Updated: 4/21/2010