Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mercy House?
Mercy House is an independent nonprofit organization that serves people who are under hospice care for a life-limiting illness. Around-the-clock personal care is provided by licensed and certified professionals in a warm and peaceful environment. Admitted patients become honored guests, who are treated with dignity and respect during their final chapter of life.
Designed especially for end-of-life care, Mercy House has 10 spacious and private guestrooms, a kitchen, family and friends lounge, living room and common areas, library, children’s nook, reflection room, and meeting room. Loved ones are welcome to gather, and a convertible chair in each guest room provides space for overnight stays. Mercy House provides end-of-life care when a cure is no longer possible, with a focus on comfort, dignity, and symptom management for those who can’t be cared for at home or who do not wish to be in a skilled nursing facility. Comprehensive care is provided in collaboration with area hospice agencies to ensure quality of life for those nearing the end of their journey.
Who does Mercy House serve?
Referrals are accepted from hospice providers, family physicians, or hospitals for those with a limited life expectancy, and the final referral must come from the affiliated hospice agency. Average stays are between 7 and 10 days; as Mercy House specializes in end-of-life care, long stays are not anticipated, and guests who continue to require services after 30-45 days will be referred to appropriate long-term accommodations. Guests are accepted without discrimination on any basis including age, race, religion, color, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender, protected disability, or other protected groups.
Where does Mercy House fit in the health care system?
Mercy House provides end-of-life care when a cure is no longer possible, with a focus on comfort, dignity, and symptom management for those who can’t be cared for at home or who do not wish to be in a skilled nursing facility. Comprehensive care is provided in collaboration with area hospice agencies to ensure quality of life for those nearing the end of their journey.
Which hospice agencies are affiliated with Mercy House?
- Amedisys Hospice
- Franklin Hospice
- Grane Hospice
- Heartland Hospice
- Residential Hospice
- SpiriTrust Lutheran Hospice
Mercy House partners with these area agencies in providing comprehensive care. Should you have a different hospice provider, please contact that agency with a transfer request.
How is Mercy House different from other organizations?
The first home of its kind in Franklin County, Mercy House is an alternative to a hospital or skilled nursing facility when care cannot be provided at home. Offering 24/7 compassionate care for guests, along with support and comfort for families and friends, Mercy House welcomes visitors at any time.
What is the Mercy House fee structure?
With a competitive and affordable daily rate of $375, Mercy House is able to provide around-the clock nursing care, meals and snacks, and laundry and cleaning services for guests. We believe that compassionate end-of-life care should be accessible to all; to support this goal, we offer flexible payment plans tailored to the financial situation, and staff are happy to discuss options.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurances do not cover Mercy House services. Generous individual and business contributions, grants, and bequests bridge the gap between the actual costs of care and payments received.
