Extra layer of support
Why Choose Hospice Care?
When facing a life-limiting illness, patients and families often have questions, fears, and difficult decisions to make. Hospice care provides an extra layer of support focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life, allowing patients to spend their time in the place they feel most at home.
Our hospice care team provides expert pain and symptom management, emotional support, spiritual care, and practical guidance for both patients and their loved ones.
The goal of hospice is helping patients spend more time focusing on the people, moments, and experiences that matter most.
Who Can Benefit from Hospice Care Services?
Hospice care is appropriate for individuals facing a life-limiting illness when life expectancy is estimated to be six months or less if the illness follows its natural course. This care can be provided longer if eligibility requirements continue to be met.
Even if you are not sure whether hospice is appropriate, our team can answer questions and help you understand your options.
Illnesses include but are not limited to:
- Cancer
- Heart Disease, such as Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Lung Disease, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Neurological Disorders, such as ALS, Alzheimer’s Disease & Parkinson’s Disease
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Other Serious/Advanced Illness
Your staff truly made us feel like we were the only family you were caring for. The care you provide is truly top-notch, and highly recommended.
- Family of PatientWho Pays for Hospice Care?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans cover hospice care. As a community-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we never turn anyone away based on their ability to pay.  Â
We provide the same level of care for every patient, regardless of their ability to pay. When a patient is under hospice care, medications, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal illness and hospice plan of care are covered under the hospice benefit.Â
If you ever have concerns about coverage or billing, we encourage you to call 704-873-4719 and ask to speak with our financial department at any time.Â
Benefits of Hospice Care
- More Comfort, Less Suffering: Expert management of pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms.
- Support for the Whole Family: Emotional, spiritual, and practical support for both patients and their loved ones.
- Care Wherever You Call Home: Hospice care is provided in the comfort of home, assisted living, nursing facilities, or our Gordon Hospice House or S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House.
- Help Is Available 24/7: Nurses and hospice professionals are just a phone call away, day or night. Home visits will be scheduled based on the patient’s and family needs.Â
- Focus on Quality of Life: More time spent making memories, finding comfort, and focusing on what matters most.
- Care that Continues After Loss: Families receive ongoing grief support, counseling, support groups and resources following the death of a loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does hospice mean giving up hope?
No. Hospice is not about giving up hope, it is reframing hope to focus on quality of life, comfort, and dignity.
Do I have to stop all of my medications?
No. Medication decisions are individualized and based on the patient's goals, comfort level, and quality of life.
Do I have to take morphine?
No. Morphine is just one of many medications that may be used to manage pain or shortness of breath, but it is not required for every patient. Your hospice team will walk you through your options, make recommendations based on your symptoms and goals, and give you the information you need to make the right choice for you.
Is hospice a place?
No. Hospice care is provided wherever a patient calls home, including hospitals and long-term and assisted living facilities. Hospice is a type of specialized care, not a single place. When a patient needs a higher level of care for symptom management, short-term inpatient hospice care may be available at the Gordon Hospice House or S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House.Â
Hospice is only for the last few days of life.
No. One of the most common regrets that families share is that they wish they had called hospice sooner. A patient can be on hospice care for any range of time, even years, as long as the patient is eligible.Â
Can I call even if I'm not sure hospice is the right choice?
Yes! We encourage you to call us anytime at 704-873-4719 or fill out our contact form. Our team is happy to help answer any questions you may have, and help you think through your options. No decision has to be made before you call us. Many families find that just having a conversation brings peace of mind, whatever they decide.
Can I keep my doctor?
Yes! Your doctor remains part of your care team. Hospice works alongside your doctor to make sure your care is coordinated and that your wishes are respected. You don't have to give up those relationships to receive hospice care.
Can I stop hospice care if I change my mind?
Yes! Hospice care can be stopped at any time, and for any reason. Hospice care is always your choice. Even if you choose to stop hospice services, you can always resume services later on.Â
We're available 24/7
Getting Started is Easy
Anyone can make a hospice or palliative care referral, including friends and family.
Whether you're ready to get started or just have questions, you can call us anytime at 704-873-4719. We're available 24/7 to get you the answers you need.
You may also talk with your doctor about hospice or palliative care and ask them to send a referral to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County.
Hospice Care Team
Each patient is assigned to their own hospice care team, and the patient will receive regular visits from team members. The care team works in collaboration with your doctor or specialist to provide scheduled home visits.Â
The team consists of the following:
- Registered Nurse (RN): Provides help with symptom management, and manages medications associated with the illness. A registered nurse will be assigned to you to provide regular visits, and a registered nurse is available via phone 24/7 for any questions or concerns you may have.Â
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, and daily activities)
- Medical Social Worker: Partners with the registered nurse to provide resources, planning, counseling and emotional support for the patient, and their family/caregivers. Â
- Chaplain: Provides spiritual care tailored to each patient’s beliefs, traditions and goals.
- Hospice Volunteer: Companionship in the home when appropriate
- Doctor/Nurse Practitioner: Oversees medical care and additional support for the hospice care team.
Where is Care Provided?
- The Patient’s Home: This allows the patient to stay home, in a familiar setting.Â
- Long-term & Assisted Living Facilities: This allows an added layer of support for the patient, family, and facility care team. Our hospice care team can meet a patient and family at the living facility.Â
- Hospitals: Our hospice care team can meet a patient and family right in the hospital. This can also allow our team to help with plans for a patient after discharge.Â
- Inpatient Units: We offer hospice care at our Gordon Hospice House and S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House, which provide 24/7 care in a home-like environment.
Iredell County and surrounding counties
Our Service Area
Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County serves patients throughout Iredell County and surrounding counties. If you are unsure whether your home, facility, or hospital is within our service area, call us at 704-873-4719.Our Inpatient Units
Gordon Hospice House: Located in Statesville. 2341 Simonton Rd, Statesville, NC 28625, 3 miles from Iredell Memorial Hospital.
S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House: Located in Mooresville. 1325 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville, NC 28115, less than a mile from Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital.Â
Tours are available at any time. To request a tour of one of our inpatient units, please call us at 704-873-4719 or fill out our contact form.
Hospice Inpatient Units
For patients who need a higher level of care, our state-licensed and accredited hospice inpatient units offer a safe and caring place to stay. Our inpatient units are the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, and the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville.
The patient’s hospice care team can help them decide if staying in one of our inpatient units would be beneficial. Inpatient unit stays are based on clinical need, symptoms, safety, caregiver needs, and goals of care.
- 24/7 Expert Care: Nurses, physicians and the entire hospice team are available 24 hours a day to manage symptoms and provide comfort.
- A Home Away from Home: The Gordon Hospice House and the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House offer a home-like setting that is warm and welcoming. A patient’s family is welcome to visit anytime, day or night.
- Support for Family Caregivers: Families can spend meaningful time with their loved ones without the stress and responsibility of providing hands-on care.
- Crisis Support: Patients can receive support when pain, breathing difficulty, agitation, or other symptoms cannot be managed comfortably at home. This can help reduce hospitalizations and ER visits. Patients can return home once symptoms are under control.Â
Hospice Inpatient Unit Amenities
- Large, comfortable roomsÂ
- Fold-out couch in each patient room for overnight guests
- Shared spaces for families to spend time together
- Quiet indoor rooms for rest or prayer and peaceful outdoor areas
- Family rooms with small kitchen areas
- 24/7 visiting hours
Caregiver Support
It is important to get external support when you are caring for a loved one. Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County provides the following services for caregivers of hospice care patients:
- 24/7 Support: Our hospice team is available day or night for questions about symptoms, medications, or what to do next.
- Nursing Support and Education: Our nurses help caregivers understand the illness, what to expect, and how to respond to changes, offering peace of mind during difficult moments. They also coordinate care among the care team, physicians, and facilities.
- Volunteer Support: Volunteers may visit patients in their homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes to provide companionship and emotional support. This can give the caregiver a break for a short time.Â
- Respite Care: Respite care provides short-term care at the Gordon Hospice House or S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House, giving caregivers time to rest and recharge while knowing their loved one is receiving expert, compassionate care.Â
- Hospice Aide/Personal Care Support: Bathing, grooming, skin care, repositioning, and comfort care that supports the patient with dignity and helps ease some of the care needs on the caregivers.
- Emotional Support: Our social workers, chaplains, and staff help caregivers cope with stress and uncertainty, and support families through grief before and after a loss.
- Grief Support: Continued grief support for families after their loved one passes.
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