Hospice provides most care for terminally ill patients and their families in private homes. A primary care person (usually a spouse, relative or friend) provides the day-to-day care. When possible, during periods of acute crisis Hospice provides a staff member or volunteer for extended time periods.
What Does Hospice Care Involve?
The Hospice team works under the supervision of the patient’s physician who continues to provide primary medical services. |
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| The Hospice team, including a nurse, certified nursing assistant, social worker, trained volunteer, chaplain, bereavement coordinator and medical director develops a plan of care (physical, emotional and spiritual) for the patient and provides instruction and support to the caregiver. The caregiver can be a spouse, other family member or friend who assumes the day-to-day responsibility for the patient’s care. |
When a person becomes a Hospice patient:
- The nurse will assess the patient’s condition, teach the family how to care for the patient and assist with pain management and symptom control. The patients primary nurse visits regularly and a nurse is on call 24 hours a day for emergencies.
- The certified nursing assistant will assist with bathing and other personal needs.
- The social worker will assist the family in dealing with financial, relationship and other issues that result from a terminal illness.
- The chaplain will provide spiritual care at the patient’s request.
- The volunteer will provide companionship, a listening ear and a friend to lean on for both the patient and the caregiver.
- The medical director, in support of the patient’s physician, will advise the Hospice nurse with regard to pain management and symptom control.
- The bereavement counselor will help family members work through their grief during an extended period following the loss of their loved one.
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