VNS Health Shirley Goodman and Himan Brown Hospice Residence

This place was a blessing. I could not imagine the level of care my mother received 24 hours around a clock. She was cared for as a member of a family. I was struggling with decision to place mama in a hospice care two hours away from me, when I would not be able to check on mama every day, but I was able to go to work and go to sleep knowing she is Ok. I was spending my days off there and it was as close to home experience as possible. We did spoke about arrangements long before mama had to go there. Facility only has 8 rooms.

If I could give them zero stars I would. I reached out to this facility hoping there was a bed for my father. I spoke with their intake person name Maria and she seemed nice. My father has both, Medicaid and Medicare, these insurances cover for hospice and room and board. My father is currently admitted at the hospital and you’re only allowed to be placed at hospice care if you have a referral. My dad has a referral and he meets this facility requirements. The way it normally works is: the case manager (a hospital nurse) will send a report and referral to these hospice facilities and once there’s a bed for the patient, the case manager will submit the payment authorization to the insurance company. NOT this facility. They want to ensure they get pay first. However, they don’t want to do the paperwork. I’ve been in communication with the secondary insurance company and they informed me that this facility hasn’t submitted the authorization paperwork with the additional paperwork required. I spoke to the insurance company today at 5pm. Yesterday. I was told by Maria (the admin nurse at this facility) that the insurance company told their financial department that the insurance doesn’t cover room and board. The sad part is that they do, it’s just that they are lazy and don’t want to do their job. I can tell they are only used to serving the rich, those that have long term care insurance, or pay out of pocket, and not the poor. It’s truly disgusting. Everyone deserves to have a safe and peaceful death regardless of financial status. I repeat again, Medicaid covers room and board and Medicare covers hospice care. I did reach out to Maria (the intake nurse) and told her about the disconnect or discrepancy. Will update as soon as I hear from them.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗳𝗳 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹

Amazing, caring staff that knew hospice was a family matter. The staff took care of both of us. These people are real life angels. I have dealt with hospice multiple times now and this was the best I could ask for in such trying times.

Outstanding care by wonderful VNS Health team members.