Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone. While the majority of ANCORA's referrals come from the medical community in some capacity-the patient's physician, nurse, discharge planner in a hospital, medical social worker at a nursing home, etc, - the initial contact does not have to come from the physician. ANCORA will verify with the patient's physician that the patient is medically eligible, but the initial contact does not have to come from the physician.

ANCORA receives referrals from patients' family members, friends and neighbors, and occasionally patients call in the referral themselves.

To make a referral, please call the Hospice office at (336) 427-9028.

No. As an informed healthcare consumer, you are perfectly within your rights to explore healthcare options and to ask your physician whether hospice care would be appropriate for you. Patients and families should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy, or friends.

Absolutely. Families, caregivers, and patients often tell us they wish they had called Ancora Compassionate Care sooner. Frequently people operate on the misconception that hospice care is only for those in the last days of their lives. The truth is, when someone receives a life-limiting prognosis (i.e. six months or less, as certified by their physician), the sooner they are admitted to hospice, the better it is for the patient and their caregiver. The longer a patient is in our hospice program, the more time they have to utilize all the services we offer. With earlier referrals & admissions, we can begin pain management and symptom control measures sooner, thereby making the patient more comfortable. There is also more time for the patient and caregiver to utilize all available support services - social workers, chaplains, & volunteers.

Absolutely. While there are several other hospices marketing in and around Rockingham County, patients and caregivers most certainly have the right to their choice of providers. Should another hospice be suggested, you may simply request that you or your loved one be referred to Ancora Compassionate Care.

Ancora Compassionate Care is the only full-service, mission-focused hospice located in the county.  Because our staff live in our service area, our response time to after-hours calls is very prompt. When calling our on-call number, you can expect to receive a return call within approximately 10 minutes; if an after-hours visit needs to made, you can expect our on-call nurse to typically arrive within an hour. Additionally, ANCORA is contracted with two local pharmacies for our patients' medication needs as well as with a local supplier for medical equipment. ANCORA is a firm believer in the concept of local working with, and caring for, local.

No. This is probably the most common misconception about hospice care. Well less than half of the diagnoses seen at ANCORA are malignancies of some type, and a cancer diagnosis is not a requirement to be in the hospice program.

Hospice care is focused on prognosis and not a specific diagnosis and is for anyone with a life-limiting illness. ANCORA sees patients with many different illnesses including end-stage heart, pulmonary, kidney, and liver disease, and ALS, to name a few.

No. While many of ANCORA's patients are older, there is no age requirement for hospice services. ANCORA has served patients ranging in age from a few weeks old to more than 100 years old.

It is never easy and sometimes can be rather difficult. At the end of a long, progressive illness, nights especially can be very long, lonely and scary. So, ANCORA has staff available around the clock to consult with the family and to make visits at night, on weekends, or on holidays, as appropriate.

Hospice nurses and doctors are up-to-date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. In addition, physical and occupational therapists assist patients to be as mobile and self-sufficient as possible. Hospice also believes that emotional and spiritual pain are just as real and in need of attention as physical pain, so we address these, as well. Chaplains & Bereavement Coordinators are available to assist family members as well as patients.
Additionally, ANCORA is contracted with two local pharmacies for our patients' medication needs as well as with a local supplier for medical equipment. ANCORA is a firm believer in the concept of local working with, and caring for, local.

Very high. Using some combination of medications, counseling, and therapies, most patients can attain a level of comfort that is acceptable to them.

Absolutely not. Ancora Compassionate Care does nothing to either speed up or to slow down the dying process. Just as doctors and midwives lend support and expertise during the time of childbirth, so hospice provides its presence and specialized knowledge during the dying process.

Yes. One of the unique aspects of hospice care is the follow-up program. Hospice follows up with a patient's family for a full year after the patient's death. Support groups are offered on a regular basis, and one-on-one counseling is available as well. Ancora Compassionate Care's grief and bereavement services are offered at no charge and are available to anyone in the community in need of support, regardless of whether or not they've had a loved one in our program. If you need to speak with one of our chaplains, please call (336) 427-9022. Click here to see our calendar for support opportunities.

No. Hospice care is not an off shoot of any religion. While some religious organizations have started hospices (sometimes in conjunction with their hospitals), Ancora Compassionate Care serves a broad community and does not require patients to adhere to any particular set of beliefs.