People who choose nursing as a career are often motivated by a desire to heal, yet the purpose of hospice care nurses extends beyond simply curing. Instead their role centers around providing comfort and peace for those in need. Hospice might appear hard and depressing on the surface; however those who choose this path often [...]

Honoring our Medical Director, Dr. Marie Morrison We proudly celebrate National Women Physicians Day in honor of the remarkable accomplishments and contributions that female physicians have made since Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in America on February 3, 1849. This special day is an opportunity for us [...]

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services identifies four levels of Hospice care which can vary from a few days to several months depending on the individual needs.

Watching our parents age presents us with a great many challenges. You may find yourself struggling to determine just what your loved ones need as they age. They may downplay their needs to avoid losing their independence or becoming a burden. It is often hard for people to ask for help. Sometimes, the hardest truths [...]

Dr. Emmitt Manley touches on the importance of hospice and planning early for end of life care. He also touches on his own personal experience with hospice.

Hospice services are often not thought about until very late in the course of an illness.  At Smoky Mountain Home Health & Hospice we often hear the families of our patients say things like, "We wish we would have called you months ago!"   Too often families shy away from even considering the Hospice choice even [...]