Care Without Cost
Abraham House admission is not based on income level or ability to pay. Although current program and service costs are $394 per day per guest, we never bill guests or families for services provided, nor do we collect insurance reimbursements. It is hoped that guests and family members will provide Abraham House with reasonable financial compensation dependent upon their individual ability to pay. We also respectfully request that you keep Abraham House in mind for donations and/or obituary mention.
Criteria for Admission
Candidates for Abraham House are individuals with a terminal diagnosis and a prognosis of three months or less who are in need of round-the-clock loving care and desire a home-like environment.
Admission to Abraham House is prioritized based on need and not necessarily on a first come-first serve basis. We pre-evaluate all potential admissions and accept guests on a case by case basis. Preference is given to those who are determined to have the highest level of need.
Referrals are welcomed from any source including family members, hospitals, physicians, and home care agencies.
Our goal is to provide appropriate pain and symptom management so our guests’ can have a peaceful and comfortable quality of life throughout even their final days.
A MOLST or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order needs to be in place prior to admission as staff and volunteers at Abraham House are not authorized to perform CPR or call 911 for lifesaving measures.
We will accept guests with oxygen, catheters, colostomies, feeding tubes, IV pumps, and tracheotomies provided that they are deemed appropriate by all other standards so we can confidently provide the level of care required.
We do not accept guests who receive intramuscular or subcutaneous injections (including insulin) as Abraham House caregivers are not authorized to perform injections. If arrangements are made for necessary injections to be administered by someone other than Abraham House staff, admission exceptions may be considered.
We only admit guests whose weight we can safely maneuver. Due to the fact that we may have one caregiver on duty, we need to be sure we can provide the safest and most comfortable care possible. A general guideline we use is 200 lbs, although level of guest mobility and height must also be considered.
While 24-hour care is provided through our trained surrogate caregivers, on occasion we may ask family members to sit with guests if they become agitated.
Guests may smoke outside only when there are 2 caregivers available so that they may be accompanied at all times. All tobacco products, lighters, and matches are to be kept in locked custody of Abraham House staff at all times.
There are no specifically designated visiting hours at Abraham House. Family and friends are welcomed anytime without restrictions.
Guests who are able may temporarily leave if accompanied by a responsible family member or friend. A Release of Responsibility / Leave of Absence Form must be completed and the guest must take a copy of the DNR with them.
Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. provides the medical care plan and case management for our guests. Therefore, all potential Abraham House guests must also be patients of Hospice. Hospice can be contacted at (315) 735-6484 for additional information.
We understand that this is a difficult time. Abraham House was established to make the situation a little easier by providing the loving care that terminally ill individuals need and deserve. It is a privilege to care for someone during this time in their life. Thank you for your faith and trust.
For further information, please call Abraham House at (315) 733-8210.
