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Transitions

Advanced Illness Management

Transitions is a home-based palliative care
program provided to Sharp HealthCare
patients with a progressive chronic illness
to help improve their overall quality of life.
Our highly skilled staff works with patients
and family members to establish an
effective health care plan that will enhance
treatment, provide comfort and manage
symptoms.

Improving Quality of Life

When you have a chronic illness such as congestive
heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), dementia, cirrhosis or stage IV
cancer, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed
as your disease progresses. Transitions uses home-
based palliative care to enhance your daily lifestyle
through education, medication management and
caregiver support.

The Transitions program is a consultative service
and is personalized to address your unique physical,
emotional and spiritual needs. Our team includes
a registered nurse case manager, social worker
and support staff who will coordinate care with
your physician.

Through in-home visits and phone consultations,
our staff will help you and your caregivers manage
disease-specific symptoms, prepare you for what
to expect with your illness and connect you with
community resources. We will also provide support
specifically for your primary caregiver to make sure
his or her needs are being addressed. It’s all part
of the extraordinary level of care we call The
Sharp Experience.

We are committed to delivering
compassionate care to you and your
family throughout your chronic illness.

We are here to help you and your family or caregiver:

• Define a more comprehensive plan of action
that can grow and change with your condition

• Manage disease-specific symptoms such as
nausea, pain, anxiety, fatigue and shortness
of breath

• Take a proactive role in managing your disease
• Communicate with your physician about your

health care needs
• Access community resources

Eligibility for Transitions

Transitions is designed for patients with advanced
chronic illness such as congestive heart failure,
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cirrhosis,
dementia or stage lV cancer. Medicare Advantage
and other senior commercial HMO plans may cover
the cost of Transitions.

We are committed to delivering compassionate
care to you and your family throughout your
chronic illness. For additional information about the
Transitions program, call 619-667-1900 or toll-free
at 1-800-681-9188.

A Health Care Organization Designed Not For Profit, But For People

HC01774.02.20 ©2020 SHC





Bringing Comfort to Each Day

“It’s only when we truly know and
understand that we have a limited time
on earth — and that we have no way of
knowing when our time is up — we will
then begin to live each day to the fullest,
as if it was the only one we had.”

— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Sharp HospiceCare focuses on palliative,
or relief measures, rather than curative
treatment for those facing the end stages
of a serious illness. We help patients
achieve renewed quality of life through
pain relief, emotional and spiritual
support, daily comfort, and closure with
loved ones.

Sharp HospiceCare is part of Sharp
HealthCare, a not-for-profit organization
serving San Diego County since 1946.

A New Source of Hope

Hospice care isn’t about dying; it’s about
living the last chapter of your life with peace,
acceptance and dignity. No matter where your
journey takes you, the Sharp HospiceCare team
will be there, offering comfort and support
every step of the way.

Our interdisciplinary team of compassionate
caregivers includes a medical director,
physicians, case manager, registered nurses,
social workers, hospice aides, spiritual
care counselors, bereavement counselors,
integrative therapy practitioners and volunteers.

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As specialists in end-of-life care, we understand
the unique physical and emotional challenges
you and your loved ones face when choosing
hospice. Every member of our team is
dedicated to easing your transition and
supporting your loved ones during and after
your care.

Care can be provided in your own home, the
hospital, a skilled nursing facility or one of our
hospice homes in San Diego County. Our staff
provides patients with a variety of services:

• Pain control and symptom management
• Emotional and spiritual care
• Personal care and comfort
• Resources and education
• Respite care
• Companionship
• Bereavement services

Sharp HospiceCare has touched the lives of
many San Diegans, including our veterans.
Through our We Honor Veterans program, we
are focused on providing compassionate care,
tailored to veterans’ needs, and making them
feel comfortable and appreciated. The program
includes a special pinning ceremony and flag
presentation to salute men and women in
service, and pay tribute to their important
contributions to our nation.

Hospice Homes —
Unique Living Environments

For patients requiring a higher level of care
not available at their own residence, Sharp
HospiceCare operates homes specially
designed to provide end-of-life care and
support in a comfortable, welcoming setting.

Our hospice homes are located in
established residential neighborhoods
throughout San Diego County, and offer
a serene environment for residents and
families to gather and enjoy their time
together. Each home is staffed 24 hours a day
by licensed nurses and features private patient
rooms, spacious living rooms, family rooms,
dining rooms and outdoor gardens.

Comprehensive
Bereavement Support

Feelings of grief and loss are natural reactions
when a loved one passes. Family and friends
need a safe and supportive environment in
which they can share their experiences, gain a
better understanding of the grieving process,
and learn how to help themselves move from
feelings of despair to hope.

The bereavement counselors at Sharp
HospiceCare provide comprehensive
support services for children, adults and
families, including:

• Individual and family counseling
• In-home bereavement visits
• Routine telephone contact
• Support groups and activities
• Monthly newsletter mailings
• Community education and referral

Our Commitment to You

At Sharp HospiceCare, we are committed to
delivering compassionate care to you and
your family.

Our specially trained staff will help guide you
through the hospice journey. It’s all part of
the extraordinary level of care we call The
Sharp Experience. To learn more, call us at
619-667-1900, or toll-free at 1-800-681-9188,
or visit sharp.com/hospice.

Eligibility for Hospice Services

You do not have to be a Sharp patient to receive
Sharp HospiceCare services. Reimbursement
for hospice services is usually covered by one
of the following: Medicare, Medi-Cal, private
insurance or charity care. Sharp HospiceCare
accepts patients based on their health needs,
not on their ability to pay.

Medicare guidelines allow for coverage of
all hospice care directly associated with
end-of-life illness. In addition, services that
may be covered under the hospice benefit
include medical supplies and equipment;
homemaker services (including simple errands
and light housekeeping in the patient area);
music therapy; and grief counseling for the
immediate family and significant others.

The level of care is determined through a
patient assessment. At every level, patients
have access to a hospice nurse 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, at 619-667-1900.

bringing comfort to each day

619-667-1900 or toll-free 1-800-681-9188
sharp.com/hospice

A Health Care Organization Designed Not For Profit, But For People

Sharp HospiceCare is accredited by the Joint Commission and affiliated with the
California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA) and the National Hospice
and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). Homes for Hospice are licensed by the
California Department of Health Services.

Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX HC01121.05.19 ©2019 SHC





Advance Care Planning

At Sharp HealthCare, we have been
dedicated to improving the health of the
San Diego community for more than 50
years. And while no one likes to think
about “what if” when it comes to personal
health, drafting a plan for your health care
wishes now can be an important tool for
you and your loved ones in the event of a
sudden or unexpected medical event.
Sharp offers a free advance care planning
service to help guide individuals through
the process of creating this vital health
care road map.

Making Your Wishes Known

Advance care planning empowers you to make health
care decisions ahead of time and communicate your
wishes to family members or friends. Having a plan
in place helps ensure you’ll get the care you want
even if a loved one has to make health care decisions
on your behalf.

Sharp Advance Care Planning is a free, confidential
service available to help adults of any age or health
status explore and document beliefs, values and
goals as they relate to health care. You do not have
to be a Sharp patient to participate.

Getting Started
Our advance care planning facilitators are trained,
discreet and compassionate individuals who are
available by phone, email or appointment to discuss
personal preferences about health care decisions.

We believe it’s never too early to think about
advance care planning. Here are a few steps to help
you get started.

1. Think about the type of medical care you would
want if you couldn’t communicate your wishes,
even for a short time.

2. Select and speak with a trusted person who
could make health care decisions for you.

3. Talk to your loved ones about the medical
treatments you would like to receive in various
situations.

4. Prepare an advance directive to express and
legally document your health care wishes.

5. Share your wishes with your doctor, family
members and your designated health care
decision-maker.

Advance care planning empowers you
to make health care decisions ahead
of time and communicate your wishes
to loved ones.

Seminars
Sharp also offers free community seminars to
help you learn more about advance care planning.
Bring your family or friends to get resources, tools
and tips that can give you greater peace of mind.
For a schedule of upcoming seminars, visit
sharp.com/classes.

A Flexible Road Map
Your advance care plan should grow and change
with you over time. It’s a good idea to reevaluate
your plan whenever there is a change in personal
values, health care agent or life stage, such as
college, marriage, divorce, death of a family
member or friend, new diagnosis or significant
decline in health.

For More Information
Advance care planning helps ensure you receive
the health care you want and deserve, and is
part of the extraordinary level of care we call
The Sharp Experience. To schedule a personal
consultation with one of our advance care planning
facilitators, please call 619-517-9798 or email
[email protected].

Sharp offers resources to help outline and record
your health care choices. To learn more or to
download an advance care directive form, visit
sharp.com/advancedirective.

HC02544.03.21 ©2021 SHC





Sharp HospiceCare

Memory Bears

Cherish Your Memories

Hospice isn’t about giving up hope — it’s about
finding hope and creating lasting memories.
Sharp HospiceCare will make a Memory Bear
from your loved one’s special garments.

“It is so comforting to touch and
hold something of my mother’s.”
“The bear fills my heart with warmth.”

To find out how you can have a Memory Bear
created in honor of your loved one,

call 619-667-1900 or visit sharp.com/hospice.

bringing comfort to each day

Sharp HospiceCare
8881 Fletcher Parkway #336

La Mesa, CA 91942

Sharp HospiceCare is a not-for-profit organization
caring for patients facing life-limiting illnesses and their
loved ones since 1991.

HC02543.03.21 ©2021 SHC