Getting Started

Hospice care is offered in the final stages of life when a cure is not possible, an illness no longer responds to treatment, or a person determines they no longer wish to continue treatment. Additionally, a person’s life expectancy is anticipated to be less than six months. 

Palliative care is appropriate for patients in any stage of serious illness to control symptoms, relieve suffering, and promote quality of life. This care can be delivered at the same time as treatments to cure or flow the progression of the illness.   

Hospice can benefit anyone who has a physician-certified, life limiting condition —defined as having a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its natural course.

All skilled services — including medications and equipment related to your illness — are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances. For patients without insurance, Good Shepherd Hospice may be able to provide care at reduced rates based on financial need.

Yes. Our care team provides emotional support and education to your family and loved ones throughout your illness. 

We provide ongoing support throughout your loved one’s hospice care. We also work with family members who do not live near their loved ones, visiting your loved one frequently and calling you regularly to keep you involved in their care.  

Our bereavement services are an additional benefit provided to our hospice families for 13 months after the death of their loved one. Our bereavement specialists are committed to providing comprehensive, informed bereavement support and education to grieving adults and children in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Good Shepherd Hospice serves patients diagnosed with serious illnesses in the final six months or less of their life. Hospice care can be provided in the patient’s home, an assisted lived facility, nursing home, or in certain circumstances, in the hospital or a dedicated hospice inpatient center. Care is focused on the control of symptoms rather than treatments to cure or prolong the illness.

Hospice care is holistic. It focuses on the needs of the patient and their family. You will be well cared for by our team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, therapists, volunteers and bereavement specialists.

Patients, loved ones and health care providers are welcome to call our admissions department to begin the hospice admissions process. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have

Good Shepherd Hospice provides symptom management and supportive care services for patients with a serious illness who do not qualify for hospice, including those with longer life expectancies and those who are receiving disease directed treatments. 

Our interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, and chaplains work with the patient, family, and other medical providers to focus care on the patient’s goals and values, control symptoms, and enhance quality of life. These palliative care services are available at Catholic Health hospitals, in our office based practice or through our home based consultation service.

Call 631-828-7417 for more information about the services we can provide to you or your loved one.

Hospice services—including medications and equipment like a hospital bed and wheelchair—are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances. For patients without insurance, Good Shepherd Hospice may be able to provide care at reduced rates based on financial need. Palliative care services are also covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances.

You do not have to sign a do-not-resuscitate order to receive hospice or palliative care services. However, we strongly recommend having an advance directive—such as a health care proxy and/or a MOLST form—to identify a person who knows your specific wishes for medical treatment and to document those preferences. A member of our team can help guide you in this advance care planning process.

Please get in touch with us at (631) 465-6363 or fill out this form.

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