What Service Does Hospice Provide?

Hospice patients typically use some combination of the following comprehensive support system provided by the hospice team. All members work closely with the patient's personal physician.

Nurses: Provide coordination of all care provided to the patient. Are experts in the areas of pain control, symptom management, emotional counseling, teaching and support. Arrange for and supervise additional help. Assist with obtaining appropriate supplies and equipment. Provide nursing care.

Social Workers: Provide emotional and psychological support for patients and families as needed. Enable patients and families to address needs and desires. Explain insurance coverage, explore financial assistance and assist with the use of community resources.

Medical Director: Serves as consultant to the team as well as to the patient's personal physician.

Pastoral Caregivers: Available to the patient and family as desired. Contact and/or work with the patient's/family's clergy as needed.

Volunteers: Are good listeners. Provide companionship. Do shopping and errands. Provide relief for the primary care giver(s).

Home Health Aides: Provide personal care to the patients.

Therapist: Occupational, Speech and physical therapies are available to all as needed.

24 Hour-On-Call: A team member is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions, discuss concerns and visit when needed.

Bereavement Follow-up: Families and friends can receive bereavement services through the hospice program months after the death of the patient. This assures the family of support through the major holidays and anniversaries during the following year.