Frequently Asked Questions
We understand this is a frightening and frustrating time for you. You have many questions and aren't always certain where to turn for help. If you don't find the answers you're looking for here, please contact us.
What are the admission criteria?
A physician has agreed that Hospice care is appropriate, with consideration to the patient’s prognosis of 6 months or less. The patient and family want Hospice care. The patient and family understand and accept that the patient is not being treated for a cure. The patient must reside in Georgetown, Horry, or Williamsburg county.
Tidelands Hospice provides care for all who are in need without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, or age.
How are patients accepted?
Patients are accepted for Hospice care based on their health needs, regardless of the reimbursement source.
Will I be able to continue to visit my regular physician?
Yes. You have the right to continue to see your physician whenever necessary.
Where does Hospice take care of patients?
Patients are usually cared for where they live, in homes or nursing homes, close to family and friends. In some instances patients may be cared for in the hospital for short periods if necessary. In addition, our N.E. and Ruby Green Hospice House is the area’s first inpatient hospice facility. It offers a comfortable, 12-bed, state-of-the-art environment for intensive symptom management and end-of-life care. Once admitted to the Hospice House, many patients transition back home. Their symptoms are expertly managed with medications and other comfort measures, and they benefit from the wide range of services and broad continuum of care provided by our dedicated staff.
What services are provided?
A dedicated team of professionals, including nurses, home health aides, social workers, volunteers, a medical director, spiritual care coordinator and a bereavement coordinator work together in providing services to each patient and family on an intermittent visiting basis.
The Hospice team provides physical, emotional, social, and spiritual care for the patient and the family. Each patient/family unit has their own individual care plan.
Hospice may provide medications, medical equipment, and medical supplies that are related to the patient’s terminal diagnosis.
Hospice nurses work with patients and families to educate them on pain control and symptom management.
“On-call” nursing support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Members of the Hospice team help the patient and family become aware of what to expect from the illness
How do I request Hospice care?
Talk with your family physician, or call Tidelands Community Hospice at (843) 546-3410 or toll free at (888) 922-3410.
Does Hospice care continue after the patient's death?
Yes. Hospice Bereavement Support Services provide counseling and support for survivors for up to 13 months after the patient’s death. For more information on our Bereavement Support Services, click here.
Who pays for Hospice care?
Care is determined by individual need. Reimbursement for Hospice services comes from:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Memorial Donations
- Private Insurance
- Contributions and Gifts
- Fund Raising Events
Is Tidelands a non-profit agency?
Tidelands Community Hospice is a non-profit hospice agency. We are a 501©3 organization that is mission-driven. Our goal is to provide hospice care to all in need, regardless of reimbursement source. Tidelands Hospice is governed by a local board of directors; residents of Georgetown, Horry, and Williamsburg counties make up our Board. Our administrative office is located in Georgetown, SC – we do not report to a corporate office elsewhere. Also by being a local non-profit, all proceeds from fundraising events remain in our 3-county service area of Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties, to benefit patients and families that we serve.