Hospice care is more than just medical care for the terminally ill.  Much like physicians and midwives prepare families for the birth of a child, the Hospice team helps families prepare for the death of a loved one. This can be helping the family understand what is happening, and preparing for what might happen next. It can be working with your family to focus on time that is rich in quality, if not quantity. It can be preparing you emotionally and creating time for closure; time to say “goodbye” and “I love you.”

Hospice care is to be considered when a physical cure is no longer possible. Many people in the terminal phase of an illness choose to live this part of their lives at home, in familiar surroundings, with their family, friends, pets and comfortable routine. Hospice provides families with a compassionate team of professionals who address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This comprehensive approach toward health care recognizes that a terminal illness affects the entire family.

The Hospice Care Team

Members of the Hospice care team have special expertise in management of physical, emotional and spiritual needs. They have one goal - to bring comfort to those facing a life-limiting illness.

The Hospice Medical Director provides expert advice to the team and is available for consultation.

The Hospice nurse makes regularly scheduled visits to the patient providing expert pain management and symptom control techniques. Nurses provide the complete spectrum of skilled nursing care and are available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hospice social workers provide assistance with practical and financial concerns as well as emotional support, counseling and bereavement follow-up. They evaluate the family’s need for support services and facilitate communication between the family and community agencies.

The Hospice pharmacist provides consultation for medication management.

Certified nursing assistants help with the personal care of the patient.

Trained Hospice and Palliative Care volunteers provide an extra set of hands to help make life easier for patients and families. They offer a compassionate presence in the home and are available to help with errands, household chores, and providing companionship to the patient.

Spiritual Care offers spiritual support to patients and families, often serving as a liaison between the family and their religious community. The spiritual care team may assist with memorial services and funeral arrangements.

Bereavement Services - Hospice care doesn't end when your loved one dies; the focus shifts to helping you cope with the reality of the loss. Grief and bereavement support is available for up to thirteen months. Trained bereavement volunteers may help support you through your grief.