The Hospice Philosophy

When a person has a limited life expectancy, the focus of treatment often turns from cure to care. Hospice care is an interdisciplinary approach designed to meet the needs – physical, psychological and spiritual – of a person at the end of life.

A Team Approach to Care

An interdisciplinary team works with the patient and family. Hospice care providers include:

Physicians

• Serves as a key member of your Hospice team.
• Provides medical direction to the Hospice team in the development, provision and revision of your plan of care.
• Participates with your Hospice care team in the management of pain and other symptoms with a goal of comfort care.
• Coordinates with other physicians in regard to your care plan.

Hospice Chaplain

The chaplain is available to support you emotionally and spiritually during this part of your life.

While all chaplains have an advanced ministerial education, they also receive specialized training in hospice care and the unique spiritual issues that can arise with serious illness, loss and grief.

Hospice Nurse

• Assess your medical needs and coordinates with your physician and other team members to achieve physical and emotional comfort.
• Provides education to you and your caregivers concerning the needs of seriously ill individuals.
• Assess current needs for medication and equipment, and anticipates future needs.
• Provides 24 hour consultations and/or home visits, for problems, questions, concerns or needs.
• Recognizes this new experience by listening to you, teaching you, helping you to clarify your choices, and by providing a sense of normalcy to this experience.

Certified Nurse’s Aide

Providing assistance with personal care is the primary responsibility of the aide. The aide visits depending on your needs. The nursing assistant may provide personal care and assist with activities of daily living. The aide can also train other family members who care for you.

Family Support & Bereavement Counselor

Our Licensed Professional Counselor provides support and education to help patients, families, and caregivers deal with personal, resource needs, emotional and care planning issues that arise. 

Bereavement provides follow-up for 13 months after the death of a loved one, including periodic mailings and telephone calls to provide information, support and inspiration.

Volunteers

• Stay with the patient so the family can take a break (respite care).
• Run errands.
• Help with household tasks.
• Provide one-to-one companionship.
• Offer music, pet and story-telling therapies.