What are visiting hours?
Family members of patients have access to Coastal Hospice at the Lake 24 hours a day. The facility is locked overnight, but a phone at the front door of Deer's Head Hospital rings to security and lets people in when doors are locked.

Do I need to call ahead for a tour?
Tours are given frequently, but it is recommended that you call ahead to arrange a tour to ensure that a staff member is available to assist you. Please call 410-572-6166.

Click here for a photo tour.

Are pets allowed?
Pets as visitors are welcome and should be bathed, on a leash and accompanied at all times. A current rabies vaccination is required.

What if a patient wants resuscitation?
When a patient's care and treatment goals involve resuscitation, Coastal Hospice at the Lake may not be the best place for care. If a patient who wants resuscitation stops breathing, staff will call 911 and initiate cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If a patient who wants resuscitation stops breathing, staff will call 911, initiate cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and transport to an emergency room.

Do you take patients on ventilators?
Patients on ventilators can best be served at hospitals, which specialize in this type of care.

What can patients bring?
Patients are welcome to bring photos, small decorations, books and other items, which can be displayed in the patient rooms. Patients are welcome to bring their favorite toiletries or lotions, along with their own nightclothes, or we will provide gowns. Patients may also bring their own personal clothes. If personal clothes are brought from home, our staff will do the laundry. This way the family doesn't have to worry about this.

Who is my doctor while I am at Coastal Hospice at the Lake?
Your personal physician is welcome to be your physician while you are at Coastal Hospice at the Lake if desired. Our physicians are also available if preferred. Most patients are cared for by our physicians during their stay.

How are services paid for?
Patients can be confident that payment and insurance issues will not create additional stress for them when they enter the Coastal Hospice program. We do everything possible to eliminate paperwork and confusion so that patients and families can focus on other, more important end-of-life issues.

Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance policies cover hospice. As a nonprofit organization, Coastal Hospice serves all in need, regardless of their financial resources. Our staff will work with insurers to see that patient obtains any and all benefits available to them for their terminal illness.

Can I smoke at Coastal Hospice at the Lake?
Deer's Head Hospital Center is a smoke free campus.

How are meals handled for the patient and the family?
Full meal service is provided to the patient. Family members may order and pay cash for meals delivered to the patient room. There is also a resource book available which contains menus from nearby restaurants (including some that deliver). Only cash is accepted and meals must be paid for upon delivery. There is a menu book to help you find nearby restaurants, grocery stores and anything else you may need while you stay with your loved one.

Can family members spend the night?
Yes. There is a limited number of sleep chairs available, just let the nurse know.

Can patients go outside on the grounds?
Yes, if accompanied by staff or a family member.

Can children visit?
There is no age limit on visitors. Children should be supervised.

Can my chaplain visit?
Community spiritual leaders are welcome. Our chaplains are also available to provide spiritual and emotional support. Patients who wish to receive the sacrament may request this.