Faq’s & Resources

FAQ’s

Q: Who is eligible for residence at Aluna Guesthouse?

A: Our primary mission is to provide shelter and care for women and children who are homeless and have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or are in need of shelter so that they may receive life-saving cancer treatment. We thoroughly evaluate all referrals, taking a number of factors into consideration including the individual’s diagnosis, current health status, and suitability for the care we provide. We also review the availability (or lack of availability) of other suitable options.

In order for a person to be accepted into Aluna Guesthouse, they must have a prognosis of 6 months or less, have a completed Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form on file, and be under the care of hospice.

Q: Where do Residents come from?

A: Our referrals come from multiple sources: Hospice agencies, physicians, hospitals, social workers, friends, and family. Admission into the Aluna Guesthouse is made after careful consideration by the Aluna Bridge Admission Committee members.

Q: What happens after a resident is accepted into Aluna Guesthouse?

A: Once accepted, the hospice orders the needed medical equipment to be delivered to Aluna Guesthouse. Hospice also arranges for transportation of the new resident to Aluna Guesthouse. Once the Resident arrives, admission into hospice takes place and their service begins.

Q: How long can a Resident stay at Aluna Guesthouse?

A: A Resident can stay for end of life care, as long as they are eligible for hospice care (with a six-month or less prognosis). Studies have shown that people live longer than their prognosis once they are comfortable and have the appropriate care. It is not unusual for residents to have improved health. The typical maximum stay at Aluna Guesthouse is six months. If a resident improves and no longer considered hospice eligible or becomes stable, we will help them find appropriate support and housing.

Q: How do you care for patients?

A: Our specially trained staff and volunteers help provide non-medical support and care. We partner with local hospice agencies for all medical care.

Q: What is an End-of-Life Doula (EOLD)?

A: The Role of the End-of-Life Doula

The essence of doula care is to provide non-medical, non-judgmental support and guidance to individuals and families through times of critical, transformative life change.
EOL doulas nurture, inform, support, guide, empower and comfort.
EOL doulas work with other caregivers and members of the medical team.
Doulas foster self-determination in their clients by assisting them in gathering information and encouraging them to make informed choices that are right for them.
For client needs outside of the doula’s scope of practice, the doula makes referrals to appropriate professionals and community resources.
Doula support is focused on, and adapted to, the unique needs and requirements of each family served.

Q: Who is responsible for Resident’s medication?

A: The Residents are under the care of the Hospice Medical Director the day they are admitted into Aluna Guesthouse. Hospice provides all medical needs, including medical equipment, personal care supplies, medications, and an intradisciplinary team, including a physician, registered nurse, CNA, social worker, and chaplain.

Q: Is Aluna Bridge a religious organization?

A: Aluna Bridge is for women and children, regardless of their religion or beliefs. Because we believe that compassionate care while a resident is dying is very sacred and holy ground, we practice mindfulness and prayer, honoring all of our residents and volunteers.

Q: I thought hospice was free?

A: Correct! Hospice is covered under a person’s insurance. If they have insurance, the costs are paid at 100 percent through the hospice benefit. However, insurance does not pay for room and board costs, nor does it cover food, utility costs or 24-hour care cost.

Q: Where do you get your funding?

We are grateful for the generous financial donations we receive from individuals, faith communities, local businesses, foundations, and other organizations. We do not receive any government or insurance funding.

We are a local 501(c)(3). Our Federal Tax ID# is 93-1740713.

Please contact us at info@alunabridge.org if you have any questions or need further information.

Q: How can I become a volunteer?

A: We will only be successful with the help of volunteers. We welcome you. Please visit our VOLUNTEER page to learn more, or reach out via the Apply to Volunteer form.

Q: I want to volunteer but I have no experience helping with end-of-life care.
Do you offer training?

A: We do not offer a formal orientation or training. You can imagine it being similar to showing up to a family member’s house who is taking care of another family member. and you walk in and say, “Hey! I am here. How can I help!”

You will never be expected to do something you are not comfortable doing. We are always willing to accompany you in learning a new skill or supporting you in participating.

Q: I have a high school student who need community serve hours. Do you allow students to volunteer?

A: Yes! We love having high school students serve our residents. We prefer that high schoolers under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult, at least on their first visit.