Hospice
At Torrance Memorial Hospice, we provide a framework of care that offers comfort and support for patients, families and caregivers as a loved one nears the end of life's journey.
During the course of certain illnesses, when the patient, doctor and family decide that aggressive curative treatment is no longer appropriate, hospice strives to optimize the quality of life and bring comfort and support. Hospice care offers patients and families greater control over end-of-life decisions.
Hospice respects the independence, dignity, and personal choices of the patient by focusing on the unique and specific needs of each patient and family. Through the coordination of service provided by the hospice team, our patients can live in comfort at home. Hospice encourages and promotes the participation of the patient and family in establishing their plan of care, allowing them to pass with dignity. We also coordinate hospice care with other programs at Torrance Memorial, including home health and palliative care services.
Why Chose Us?
Founded in 1983, Torrance Memorial's Hospice program is licensed by the State of California, Medicare and Medi-Cal certified, and accredited by the Joint Commission. We have received top honors in nursing excellence, receiving the distinction of Magnet Status.
We are a community-based organization serving residents of the South Bay. Limiting our service area allows our team of caregivers to spend quality, caring time with patients and families. Torrance Memorial Hospice is also a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Our Services
The following services must be authorized by your Hospice team and are optional for Hospice patients:
- A medical director and a team of physicians who oversee the plan of care
- Regular visits by registered hospice nurses with special training in pain and symptom management
- Psychosocial support for patients and families
- Spiritual support through non-denominational Chaplain services
- Hospice aides to provide personal care
- Homemaker services for support with household chores
- Trained multilingual volunteers offering companionship and limited caregiver respite
- Bereavement support
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Medication related to the hospice diagnosis
- Physical, occupational and speech therapists for safety in mobility and energy conservation
- General inpatient care at Torrance Memorial Medical Center for acute episodes*
- Continuous care at home for short-term crisis management*
- Respite care for caregivers
- On-call help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Eligibility, Access & Payment
Who is eligible to receive hospice care?
Patients who have a terminal illness who have elected treatment to relieve symptoms rather than seek curative measures.
How do I access hospice services?
A physician referral or the request of a patient or family member is required to begin the hospice process. A Hospice nurse will visit the patient and family in their residence or in the hospital to access the immediate needs, recommended an initial plan of care, and obtain an informed consent.
The attending physician is required to certify terminal illness. Care may be provided in a personal residence, nursing home, assisted living facility and at times in a hospital.
Who pays for hospice care?
Hospice care is insured by the Medicare Hospice Benefit. We accept both Medicare and MediCal, and an optional benefit provided by other private insurance companies.
