Hospice care in South Jersey provides compassionate end-of-life support for patients and families throughout Camden County, Burlington County, and surrounding communities. Our team of nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers delivers complete hospice services at home, in assisted living facilities, and in nursing homes across the region.
What Is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is specialized medical care for people facing terminal illness. Instead of focusing on curing disease, hospice focuses on comfort, dignity, and quality of life during the final stage life. Our South Jersey team provides pain management, symptom relief, emotional support, and practical assistance for patients and their families.
Hospice is not about giving up—it’s about living as fully and comfortably as possible for whatever time remains. Our team helps patients spend meaningful time with loved ones, free from unnecessary medical interventions and hospital visits.
Why South Jersey Families Choose Hospice Care
South Jersey has one of the highest concentrations of older adults in New Jersey. Burlington County alone has over 50,000 residents age 65 and older, while Camden County has more than 60,000 seniors. As our population ages, more families are discovering the benefits of hospice care:
- Comfort and dignity at home instead of in a hospital
- Expert pain and symptom management
- 24/7 access to hospice nurses
- Support for the entire family, not just the patient
- No out-of-pocket costs under Medicare
- Personalized care that respects your values and wishes
What Our South Jersey Hospice Customers Say
Complete Hospice Services in South Jersey
Our hospice program includes a full range of services delivered by a team of professionals:
Medical Care
- Skilled Nursing: Regular visits from registered nurses to manage symptoms and provide medical care
- Physician Services: Hospice doctors coordinate your care plan and make home visits when needed
- Pain Management: Expert control of pain using medications and other comfort measures
- 24/7 Nurse Access: Call anytime, day or night, to speak with a hospice nurse
Personal Care
- Hospice Aide Services: Help with bathing, dressing, and personal care several times per week
- Personal Care Items: Adult briefs, bed pads, and hygiene supplies delivered to your home
Emotional and Spiritual Support
- Social Work Services: Counseling, resource connection, and help with advance care planning
- Chaplain Services: Spiritual support respecting all faiths and beliefs
- Bereavement Support: Grief counseling for families for up to 13 months after death
- Volunteer Companionship: Trained volunteers provide friendly visits and caregiver relief
Medications, Equipment, and Supplies
- All medications related to the terminal illness
- Medical equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs, and walkers
- Oxygen equipment if needed
- Wound care and incontinence supplies
- Everything delivered directly to your home
Who Qualifies for Hospice in South Jersey?
Medicare and most insurance plans cover hospice care when:
- A doctor certifies the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course
- The patient chooses comfort care instead of curative treatment
- The patient lives in our South Jersey service area
Common diagnoses that qualify for hospice include advanced cancer, heart failure, COPD, dementia, kidney disease, liver disease, ALS, and stroke. If you’re unsure whether someone qualifies, call our office—we can help determine eligibility.
Hospice Care Settings in South Jersey
We provide hospice care wherever you call home:
| Care Setting | What We Provide |
|---|---|
| Private Homes | Full hospice services delivered to your house or apartment |
| Assisted Living Facilities | Coordinate with facility staff to provide complete hospice care |
| Nursing Homes | Work alongside nursing home staff to ensure comfort and quality care |
| Independent Senior Living | Bring all services to your senior community residence |
Whether you live in a historic Victorian in Haddonfield, a senior community in Cherry Hill, a family home in Medford, or anywhere else in South Jersey, our team comes to you.
The Demographics of Hospice in South Jersey
South Jersey has a significant aging population requiring quality hospice services. According to U.S. Census Bureau data analyzed by Neilsberg, Camden County has 84,971 residents age 65 and older (16.2% of the county’s population), while Burlington County’s population includes a similar proportion of seniors with a median age of 41.7 years. As our region’s population continues to age, more families are discovering the benefits of hospice care:
Source: [Neilsberg – Camden County Population by Age](https://www.neilsberg.com/insights/camden-county-nj-population-by-age/) (2019-2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates)
New Jersey ranks among the top 10 oldest states by median age at 40.1 years (compared to the national median of 39.2 years), according to the New Jersey State Health Assessment Data. South Jersey reflects this aging demographic trend. With approximately 18% of New Jersey residents age 65 or older—matching the national average—the need for quality hospice care continues to grow across Burlington and Camden Counties.
- Burlington County has a median age of 41.7 years, indicating a mature population that frequently requires home health services
- Camden County has 84,971 residents age 65 or older, representing 16.2% of the county’s population
- New Jersey’s 65+ population (18%) matches the national average, but the state’s median age is higher than most states
Our mission is to ensure every South Jersey family has access to excellent hospice care, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.
Sources:
– [NJ State Health Assessment Data – Population Age Distribution](https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/Dem_Age.html)
– [World Population Review – Median Age by State](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/median-age-by-state)
Medicare Coverage for South Jersey Hospice
Medicare Part A covers 100% of hospice services with no deductibles or copayments for most services.
Included service:
- All nursing care and doctor visits
- All medications for pain and symptom control
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Hospice aide services
- Social work and counseling
- Chaplain services
- Respite care (up to 5 days of inpatient care to give caregivers a break)
- Bereavement support for family members
Medicaid and most private insurance plans also cover hospice services. Our South Jersey staff handles all insurance verification and billing, so families can focus on spending time together.
How Hospice Care Works
Getting started with hospice in South Jersey is straightforward:
Step 1: Referral and Initial Call
Your doctor, hospital, or family can call our South Jersey Hospice. We’ll answer questions and explain how hospice works.
Step 2: Insurance Verification
We verify coverage with Medicare, Medicaid, or your private insurance—usually within hours.
Step 3: Admission Visit
A registered nurse visits your home (typically within 24 hours) to complete admission paperwork, assess needs, and create a personalized care plan.
Step 4: Care Begins
Medications, equipment, and supplies are delivered to your home. Your nurse schedules regular visits, and you receive contact information for 24/7 support.
Step 5: Ongoing Support
Your team visits regularly, adjusts the care plan as needs change, and provides continuous support for as long as needed.
Communities We Serve in South Jersey
We provide hospice care throughout the South Jersey region, including:
- Cherry Hill and Marlton
- Haddonfield and Voorhees Township
- Medford and Mt Laurel Township
- Mt Holly and Lumberton
- Camden and Woodbury
- Deptford and Washington Township
- Glassboro and Monroe
- Swedesboro and surrounding areas
- Burlington County communities
- Camden County communities
Please note that we serve New Jersey residents only and do not cross the Delaware River into Pennsylvania due to state licensing requirements. If you’re unsure whether we serve your area, please call our office at 856-519-9200.
South Jersey’s Unique Character
South Jersey is more than just proximity to Philadelphia—it has its own distinct identity. From the historic dinosaur discoveries in Haddonfield to the agricultural heritage of Swedesboro, from the Revolutionary War sites in Mt Holly to the vibrant communities of Cherry Hill, South Jersey combines suburban comfort with small-town values.
Many South Jersey families have lived in the region for generations, with deep roots in local communities. When it comes to end-of-life care, families want providers who understand the area, respect local values, and treat patients like neighbors—not numbers.
24/7 Support for South Jersey Families
One of the biggest concerns families have is “What if something happens in the middle of the night?” With hospice, you’re never alone. Our nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
You can call anytime to:
- Ask questions about symptoms or medications
- Get guidance on what to do
- Request an urgent visit if needed
- Receive emotional support during difficult moments
- Get help with crisis situations
Whether it’s 2 PM on Tuesday or 2 AM on Sunday, a registered nurse will answer your call and provide the support you need.
Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Taking care of a loved one at home is exhausting work. Medicare covers up to five days of inpatient respite care, allowing family caregivers to rest while their loved one receives 24-hour care in a facility.
Respite care is ideal when:
- Caregivers need a break to prevent burnout
- Family needs to travel for work or obligations
- Primary caregiver becomes ill
- The care situation at home becomes overwhelming
Respite care can be arranged quickly and is fully covered by Medicare with only a small daily copayment.
Hospice vs. Palliative Care
Many South Jersey families ask about the difference between hospice and palliative care:
| Hospice Care | Palliative Care |
|---|---|
| For terminal illness with 6-month prognosis | For serious illness at any stage |
| Focuses on comfort, not cure | Can be given alongside curative treatment |
| Covered 100% by Medicare | May have copays depending on insurance |
| Includes full team of support services | Usually more limited services |
| Requires choosing comfort care over treatment | No need to stop other treatments |
Both focus on quality of life and symptom management, but hospice provides more comprehensive support specifically for end-of-life care.
Common Concerns About Hospice
“Does choosing hospice mean giving up?”
No. Hospice is about living as fully and comfortably as possible. Many patients feel better on hospice because their symptoms are better managed.
“Will hospice shorten my loved one’s life?”
Studies show hospice patients often live as long or longer than similar patients who don’t choose hospice, with significantly better quality of life.
“Can we change our mind?”
Yes. You can stop hospice care at any time and return to regular medical treatment, then re-enroll in hospice later if desired.
“What if they live longer than six months?”
Hospice care continues as long as the patient meets eligibility criteria. The doctor can recertify for additional benefit periods.
“Will we lose our regular doctor?”
You can continue seeing your regular doctor if you prefer. Our hospice doctors work alongside your current physician.
Serving South Jersey’s Diverse Communities
South Jersey’s population includes long-established families, growing immigrant communities, and people from all walks of life. Our hospice team respects all cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and family structures.
We provide care to:
- All faith traditions (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and others)
- LGBTQ+ patients and families
- Veterans (with special attention to VA benefits)
- Non-English speaking families (we have bilingual staff)
- Patients of all ages, from children to centenarians
Veterans Benefits and Hospice
South Jersey is home to thousands of military veterans. If you’re a veteran receiving hospice care, you may be eligible for additional VA benefits including:
- Aid and Attendance benefits to help pay for care
- Veteran-specific volunteer services
- Honor ceremonies and recognition
- Assistance with burial benefits
Our social workers are experienced in helping veterans access these benefits.
When to Consider Hospice Care
Many families wait too long to start hospice. Consider hospice when:
- The patient has been in and out of the hospital frequently
- Treatments are no longer working or causing more harm than good
- The focus has shifted to comfort rather than cure
- The doctor says there are no more treatment options
- The patient wants to focus on quality of life
- Family caregivers are overwhelmed and exhausted
The earlier you start hospice, the more time your team has to help manage symptoms and provide support.
What Families Say About Hospice
Most families who use hospice wish they had started sooner. Common feedback includes:
- “We felt so supported and less alone”
- “The nurses were like angels who always knew what to do”
- “My loved one was so much more comfortable at home than in the hospital”
- “We had precious time together that wouldn’t have been possible without hospice”
- “The grief support after death was invaluable”
Contact Our South Jersey Hospice Office
If you have questions about hospice care or want to explore whether it’s right for your family, we’re here to help. Our Marlton office serves all of South Jersey with compassionate, professional hospice services.
Suncrest Hospice – South Jersey
901 Lincoln Drive West, Suite 110
Marlton, NJ 08053
Phone: 856-519-9200
Fax: 856-209-6950
Call anytime to speak with our intake coordinator. We can answer questions, verify insurance, and schedule an admission visit—often within 24 hours.
Why Choose Suncrest Hospice for South Jersey Care?
We’re committed to serving South Jersey families with excellence and compassion. Our team combines clinical expertise with genuine caring, treating every patient and family with dignity and respect.
From Cherry Hill to Swedesboro, from Haddonfield to Lumberton, we’re honored to serve our neighbors during life’s most difficult transitions. When you choose our South Jersey hospice program, you’re choosing a team that truly cares about your comfort, your wishes, and your family’s wellbeing.
Contact us today to learn more about how hospice care can help your family.
Complete Hospice Services in South Jersey
When to Consider Hospice Care