24 Hour Availability Patient Care Services Levels of Care Hospice House Hospice Services in   a Nursing Home Bereavement Services

Patient Care

Hospice offers a comprehensive and coordinated program of services to the terminally ill patients and their families in their homes, nursing homes/long-term care facilities, and our Hospice House. Physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual care is available from an interdisciplinary team under the direction of the attending physician to provide the following care:

• Physical Support. Pain and symptom management are important aspects of care. Hospice strives to ensure that the patient is kept physically comfortable. In terms of comfort care, most of what is done in the hospital can be managed at home, in the nursing home/long-term care facility, or at our Hospice House.
• Emotional/Psychological Support. There is a significant psychological challenge for the terminally ill patient and his/her family. Facing death may bring about a sense of fear and anxiety. Addressing grief and loss issues enhances the ability to cope.
• Social Support. Patients and families are often concerned about significant changes in their health and the pending death of a love one. Knowing the family is receiving support is important for the patient's peace of mind. Support for the caregiver is offered to enhance caregiver coping skills. Children are often "forgotten mourners." Special materials including Kids Kits are used to help social workers in addressing grief issues with children of hospice patients.
• Spiritual Support. Patients may have questions and needs relating to life and death. Spiritual care during a terminal illness affirms the worth of the patient and the meaning of their life. The Hospice chaplain provides spiritual care to clients and families upon request.
• Bereavement Support. Bereavement care is offered for families for 15 months following the patient's death. Support is offered through memorial services, mailings, and various individual and/or group meetings.