The Hospice Team
The hospice
team is an interdisciplinary group of people who
assist the terminally ill patient and his or her
family throughout the patient's illness.
The Hospice Patient
and Family
The patient and his or her family are the most
important members of the hospice team. The patient
determines, with the rest of the hospice team, the
kind of care that will be given. He or she has the
option to discontinue hospice care at any time. The
rest of the hospice team relies on the patient to
let them know of needs, concerns and questions.
Hospice
Attending Physician
The physician indicates that in his or her best
judgment, the patient is appropriate for hospice.
The physician continues to follow the patient and
works with our staff to establish a plan of care.
Registered Nurse
The hospice nurse works closely with the physician
to ensure that the patient is kept as physically
comfortable as possible. Pain control and symptom
management will be primary concerns. The hospice
nurse makes scheduled visits and arranges for
prescriptions and medical equipment as needed. There
is always a hospice nurse on-call 24 hours a day,
seven days a week for emergency situations.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistants assist with personal care, such
as bathing, hair care and nail care. The nursing
assistant will also help educate families by
providing helpful suggestions on the safest, easiest
way to move, turn and transfer patients.
Medical
Social Worker
Medical social workers provide individual and family
counseling to help meet the challenges created by a
terminal illness. They also help the patient and
family members access the resources necessary for
care.
Bereavement Counselor
A bereavement counselor is trained to help people
deal with the grief issues that arise from the loss
of a loved one. This counselor is also available to
assist patients and families with anticipatory
grief.
Hospice
Chaplain
Spiritual support is provided directly to patients
and families who request such assistance. Chaplains
are available representing a wide variety of
spiritual backgrounds and religious denominations.
The hospice chaplain may also serve as a liaison
between the patient's church and hospice.
Hospice
Volunteer
Hospice volunteers provide assistance in various
ways, including providing respite for family members
by staying with the patient or providing practical
support such as running errands or assisting with
chores. For more information on volunteer services,
click here.
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