Cardiac & Congestive Heart Failure Hospice Care

Q: What Are the Four Stages of Congestive Heart Failure?

The four stages of CHF are categorized as A through D.Stage A includes patients at high risk for developing CHF without symptoms.Stage B involves structural heart disease but no symptoms of heart failure.Stage C is characterized by structural heart disease with current or past symptoms, such as fatigue or fluid retention.Stage D represents advanced heart failure with severe symptoms that impact daily life despite treatment.

The Only Congestive Heart Failure Hospice Program of its Kind in New Jersey

Samaritan’s advanced cardiac care program, the only one in New Jersey and in collaboration with the National Partnership for Healthcare & Hospice Innovation, is an extra layer of support to help you and those who care about you live your best life on hospice during end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF).

Speak to a hospice nurse now.
Call 24/7 to find out how we can help:

Available 24/7 (856) 596-1600

Our cardiac hospice specialists will work with your cardiologist and your other physicians to provide you the personalized attention you need when other treatments are not always working — or if your treatment decisions have become more complex — and extra support would be helpful to you and those who care about you.

Our mission is to ensure that you and your family are well supported and informed so symptoms of your end-stage CHF can be managed under our specialized South NJ hospice care while you stay safely at home.

Cardiac Hospice Benefits for Patients and Families

When you choose Samaritan’s advanced cardiac hospice care program for your end-stage CHF, you and your family will benefit. This program will:

Help you stay in the comfort of your home.
Provide regular monitoring via in-person visits and telehealth visits.
Provide expert, coordinated care management by clinicians who specialize in pain relief and symptom management.
Help you avoid unwanted ER visits and hospital stays.
Provide an expert care team, including a physician, nurse, social worker, certified home health aide, bereavement counselor, and spiritual support counselor, who will work with your cardiologist and other physicians.
Enable you to have control over your healthcare decisions.
Help you explore advanced care planning options and empower you to have a say in your care.
Give you access to relaxation resources to help keep your stress level as low as possible.

Complimentary Advanced Cardiac Care Program Patient and Caregiver Handbook

Created by the American Heart Association and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation

Cuidador cardíaco de cortesía ahora disponible en español. | Now available in Spanish.

Understand your heart and heart failure.
Explore symptom management and self-care tips.
Learn more about medications and diet.

Fill out this form to download your complimentary handbook now.

Complete este formulario para descargar su manual gratuito ahora.

*Please do not submit for anyone else without permission.

Hospice for End-Stage Congestive Heart Failure Eligibility Requirements

If you are wondering if you, or someone you care about is eligible for advanced cardiac hospice care, now is the time to call Samaritan. We encourage you to speak directly with our expert nurses about your eligibility and how hospice care can support you through your CHF journey. Call Samaritan 24/7 at (856) 596-1600 for more information.

The hospice eligibility requirements for someone living with congestive heart failure include:

You are experiencing heart failure symptoms even though you are using medications to relieve fluid retention and improve circulation.
You have a medical history of cardiac arrest.
You experience sharp chest pain at rest despite medical efforts to relieve it.
You have an abnormally fast heart rhythm that does not respond to treatment.
You sometimes experience unexplained fainting.
If your illness gets worse, you wish to remain at home.
You have more than one serious medical condition.
You need more help with basic tasks of daily living.

Our South Jersey CHF Hospice Facilities

Samaritan offers two inpatient hospice facilities in South NJ for you or your loved one receiving hospice care and experiencing severe pain or symptoms from congestive heart failure.

Hospice care is provided mostly in your home, assisted living, or nursing home. However, sometimes needs change and your hospice nurse may recommend a transfer to The Samaritan Center at Voorhees or The Samaritan Center at Mount Holly.

Samaritan’s two inpatient hospice facilities provide short-term stays for hospice patients experiencing severe pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and agitation, among other symptoms. Your hospice nurse will work with you to decide if an inpatient hospice facility is the right choice.

Contact Us Now to Learn More About Our Congestive Heart Failure Hospice Program in South New Jersey

If you live in Southern New Jersey, let Samaritan’s expert nurses help you decide if hospice care is right for you or your loved one living with congestive heart failure. Call us 24/7 at (856) 596-1600 to learn more.

Also learn about Samaritan’s CHF Disease Management Program, designed to help patients manage heart failure in primary care, palliative care, and hospice care to address end-stage CHF.

Additional Congestive Heart Failure Hospice Resources

Frequently Asked Questions about Hospice for Congested Heart Failure

When is the Right Time to Ask About Hospice for End-Stage Congested Heart Failure?

The right time to consider hospice for end-stage heart failure is when treatments no longer improve quality of life, and symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling worsen despite medical care.

If hospitalizations become frequent or the patient experiences significant physical or emotional distress, hospice can help manage symptoms and provide comfort-focused care. Early conversations with healthcare providers can ensure timely access to these supportive services.

What are the Signs it Might Be Time for Hospice?

Signs that hospice might be appropriate include:

Frequent hospitalizations
Unmanageable symptoms
Significant weight loss
Declining physical and cognitive abilities

Additionally, if a patient expresses a desire to focus on comfort rather than curative treatments, hospice can provide support for both the patient and their family. Consulting with a healthcare provider can clarify eligibility and timing for hospice care.

What Are the Four Stages of Congestive Heart Failure?

The four stages of CHF are categorized as A through D.

Stage A includes patients at high risk for developing CHF without symptoms.
Stage B involves structural heart disease but no symptoms of heart failure.
Stage C is characterized by structural heart disease with current or past symptoms, such as fatigue or fluid retention.
Stage D represents advanced heart failure with severe symptoms that impact daily life despite treatment.

What Can Hospice Do for a Patient with Congestive Heart Failure or Heart Disease?

Hospice provides comprehensive care for patients with heart disease by:

Managing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue
Giving emotional and spiritual support
Providing guidance for medication and dietary needs
Offering 24/7 access to a care team

Hospice also provides resources and counseling for families, helping them navigate care decisions and offering respite from caregiving responsibilities.

What are the Overall Benefits of Hospice Care?

Hospice care focuses on improving quality of life by:

Managing pain and symptoms
Providing emotional and spiritual support
Reducing unnecessary hospital visits

Patients receive care in the comfort of their home or chosen setting, surrounded by loved ones. Families also benefit from guidance, bereavement counseling, and respite care, ensuring a supportive experience for everyone involved.

How Can I Approach a Hospice Discussion with Family Members and Loved Ones?

Approaching a hospice discussion requires sensitivity and empathy.

Start by expressing your care and concern, and share information about how hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life.
Address any misconceptions and highlight the support hospice offers for both the patient and the family.
Encourage open dialogue and involve healthcare professionals if needed to provide additional guidance.