What services are available?
Services are provided where you need them—in the patient’s home, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, etc. Some patients may also be able to receive Hospice services while in the hospital. Hospice services include:
Medical care: Nursing visits are scheduled as necessary to ensure maximum comfort and symptom management. A nurse is on call 24 hours a day for problems or emergencies.
Personal care: Tending to a patient’s personal care needs is important not only to the patient, but also to the caregivers normally charged with this responsibility. Visits are scheduled based on what works best for both the patient and caregivers.
Emotional support: Community resources and staff social work services are available to help the patient and family manage the stress frequently present at this time.
Spiritual care: Often the end-of-life journey comes with spiritual issues and concerns, that, when addressed, can bring peace and calm for both the patient and family members.
Assistance with daily tasks: Help is available for running errands, companionship, sitting with the patient so caregivers can take a break and more. Typically, a trained volunteer performs these tasks. Scheduling is determined by what works best for the patient, family and volunteer.
Grief support: Support is available to family members for up to 13 months after a loved one’s death. Support can be in the form of one-on-one visits, phone calls, literature or support groups depending on individual needs and comfort level.
