Advanced Cardiac Care
Gilchrist offers specialized care aimed at reaching those living with end-stage heart disease.
Certified Cardiac Care
Gilchrist is one of the first palliative and hospice care agencies nationally to become certified by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading non-profit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
This certification allows patients and families to have confidence that their end-of-life heart failure care is well coordinated and follows the American Heart Association’s rigorous science-based guidelines.
This certification also means that we are dedicated to continually reviewing our outcomes, making adjustments to our care, and reporting our findings back to the American Heart Association to help improve outcomes for heart failure patients nationwide. We are honored to receive this recognition and remain committed to delivering exceptional care to our patients and their families.
What this means for you
More Americans die from heart disease than any other condition, including cancer. Only 5% of end-stage heart failure patients receive the benefit of hospice care even though hospice improves quality of life for end-stage heart failure patients. Gilchrist supports nearly 1,000 hospice patients annually with primary diagnosis of heart failure. Earlier referrals lead to better comfort and symptom management and fewer hospitalizations so that patients may live every moment to the fullest.
Heart disease is a chronic illness that often leads to unmanaged symptoms and multiple hospitalizations. Although heart disease is responsible for one in every four deaths, many patients with end-stage heart failure don’t receive hospice or palliative care that could enhance their quality of life.
When the disease can no longer be cured or controlled, Gilchrist’s expert team can provide the support patients need to remain at home by helping them to better manage and cope with distressing symptoms. Patients receive frequent visits and calls by nurses, and constant attention is given to factors like weight gain and blood pressure. Family and patient education, access to health care experts 24 hours a day and discussions about advance directives and end-of-life wishes, are also important components of our care.
You will not go through this alone.
Patients We Serve
- Patients with persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy
- Patients with frequent readmission to the hospital for heart failure exacerbation/symptoms out of control
- Patients whose caregivers have personal and caregiver fatigue
Elements of Our Care
- Standardized, evidence-based, goal driven care
- Highly trained, physician-led team: nurse case manager, social worker, nursing assistant, chaplain and volunteers
- Patient and Caregiver Education
- Expert symptom management to avoid emergency room visits
- Guidance on addressing advance care planning
To learn more, call us today at 888.823.8880 or download the patient guide.
Para descargar la versión en español, haga clic aquí.
Gilchrist is More Than Hospice
We’re your support system at every stage of serious illness. We offer quality medical care, counseling, and support, so people can live life to the fullest on their own terms.