Compassionate, dignified end-of-life care for hospice patients and families facing terminal illness—in our warm household-model facility or in the comfort of your own home.
Focusing on Quality of Life
Hospice care is built around quality of life. When a patient receives a terminal diagnosis and a physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less, the Medicare hospice benefit becomes available. Rather than continuing aggressive treatments, comfort care takes over—managing pain, controlling symptoms, and surrounding hospice patients with the love and support of their loved ones.
The statement choosing hospice care as the right path forward takes courage. Our team affirms that decision with compassion and expertise—helping your family navigate one of life’s most difficult passages with peace and dignity.
Hospice providing this kind of specialized, whole-person care is what sets St. Margaret’s apart.
What Hospice Is—and Isn't
Hospice is not giving up. It is a thoughtful, evidence-based choice to prioritize comfort when terminal illness can no longer be reversed. Research shows that terminally ill patients who elect hospice often report better quality of life—and in some cases, live longer—than those who continue treatment beyond what the disease process can support.
Unlike a hospital setting, our household-model nursing home and assisted living community are designed to feel like a peaceful home—warm, personal, and unhurried. Loved ones are always welcome, and the patient’s family is treated as an essential part of the care team.
St. Margaret’s is a certified Medicare approved hospice provider, accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Most hospice care provided at our facility and in patients’ homes is fully covered. A member of our staff will review your benefit periods and coverage details at no charge—no fees, no pressure, ever.
Comprehensive Hospice Services for Patients & Families
Pain & Symptom Control
Emotional & Spiritual Support
Palliative Care & Comfort
Personal Care & Daily Activities
Respite Care & Family Support
Bereavement & Grief Programs
Where Can Hospice Be Provided?
St. Margaret’s offers in facility hospice care at our household-model locations and at-home hospice for patients who wish to remain in their private residence.
In-Facility Hospice Care
Our nursing home & assisted living community
Our nursing home and assisted living community offer inpatient hospice in a warm, household-model setting—nothing like a hospital ward. Patients and their loved ones enjoy a peaceful, home-like environment with a full range of comfort-focused amenities. Most inpatient hospice care delivered on-site is covered under Medicare benefits with little or no additional cost to families.
- Pet therapy, yoga & massage
- Aromatherapy, meditation & focused breathing
- Sitting services & private sitter options
- 24/7 skilled nursing & aide support
In-Home Hospice Care
Care delivered to your private residence
Many patients choose to spend their final days at home. We provide at-home hospice—including skilled nursing, aide visits, pain management, and caregiver education—so that loved ones can be fully present. If needs change, inpatient hospice at our facility remains an option throughout each benefit period.
- Regular skilled nursing & aide visits
- Medication & equipment delivery
- Pain management & palliative symptom relief
- Chaplain & social worker visits
Committed to Excellence in Care
St. Margaret’s at Mercy has earned accreditation for Nursing Care Center and Post-Acute Care, reflecting our commitment to safe, high-quality care in New Orleans since 1889.
Medicare Coverage, Eligibility & Benefit Periods
Understanding your benefits is essential. St. Margaret’s accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most private plans. Here is what every family needs to know about how hospice is paid for.
Who Is Eligible?
A patient is eligible for the Medicare hospice benefit when a physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the terminal illness runs its natural course. The terminally ill patient must elect hospice rather than continue curative treatments for their terminal condition. Other Medicare covered treatments for unrelated conditions remain accessible. Our admissions team can confirm eligibility and explain your options.
Benefit Periods & Renewals
Medicare organizes hospice into benefit periods: two initial 90-day benefit periods, then an unlimited number of 60-day benefit periods thereafter. A physician recertifies at the start of each benefit period. All these conditions of recertification are straightforward, and our hospice team handles the paperwork. There is no cap on total duration as long as the patient remains eligible—hospice can extend well beyond six months.
What Does Medicare Pay For?
Covered benefits under Medicare include nursing visits, hospice aide services, medications for symptom control and pain management, medical equipment, bereavement services, and family support. Families generally pay little or nothing for hospice-related care. Hospital stays for unrelated conditions continue under standard Medicare benefits. Our staff is happy to walk you through any questions you have.
Stopping or Changing Hospice
Families can stop hospice care at any time. If a patient’s condition improves or they wish to resume curative treatment, they may stop hospice care and return to standard Medicare benefits. If illness returns, they can re-enroll—eligible patients face no penalty as the disease process evolves. At end of life, the plan of care always follows the patient’s wishes.
We're Here to Help You Make the Right Decision
Facing a difficult decision about hospice care for a loved one is never easy. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here—ready to answer every question about eligibility, benefits, and what to expect, with no pressure and no obligation.
Call us at (504) 279-6414 or use the form to schedule a visit to meet our team and see our care community in person. Just a compassionate conversation about what your family needs most right now.
Request More Information or Schedule a Visit
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Care
Palliative care is specialized support focused on relieving pain, physical symptoms, and emotional distress—and can begin at any stage of illness, even alongside curative treatment. Hospice is a specific form of palliative care reserved for patients with a terminal diagnosis who have chosen to focus on comfort rather than cure.
Yes. Medicare covers hospice in a nursing home or assisted living community. When a patient already lives in our facility or transitions there specifically for end-of-life care, our interdisciplinary team integrates directly into their plan of care. The patient typically continues to pay room and board separately, but all hospice-related services are billed through their Medicare or insurance benefits.
A patient is eligible when a physician certifies a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course. If you are unsure, contact us—we can review the diagnosis, confirm eligibility, and connect you with hospital discharge planners or physician referrals at no charge. We serve families across the greater New Orleans area.
Absolutely. Bereavement services, caregiver education, respite care, and grief support programs are all designed for families throughout the journey and for up to thirteen months after a patient’s passing. Every loved one in the family is part of the care we provide.