Your Care Team
PATIENT'S PHYSICIAN
The physician informs the patient and family of the life-limiting illness, makes a recommendation for hospice services, and initiates the plan of care. Medications, treatments, therapies, and hospice services are ordered by the physician. There is on-going communication with the hospice team members even when the patient can no longer visit the physician in the office.
HOSPICE STAFF PHYSICIAN
Our staff physicians are responsible for liaison activities between hospice and the local medical community, and for monitoring policies and standards for the medical aspect of the patient care program. In addition these physicians:
- provide medical collaboration to hospice patients on routine and 24- hour emergency basis
- participate in the development of individualized care plans
- certify/re-certify the patient's Medicare hospice benefit eligibility
- act as consultants for the patient's attending physician
- are available for home visits if requested by patient's attending physician or otherwise to assist in management of patient's symptoms
ADMISSIONS NURSE
A registered nurse visits the home, wherever home may be, to initially evaluate the patient for admission to hospice, and to assess the patient's physical status and comfort level. All services are explained, initial questions answered, consent forms are signed, and symptom management is provided as needed. Initial needs for equipment, supplies, and medications are evaluated.
PRIMARY NURSE
A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse visits the home on a regular and emergency basis to evaluate the comfort level of the patient and provide symptom management and other care to the patient. Ongoing needs for equipment and supplies are evaluated. Symptom management and changes in the condition of the patient are discussed with the physician, and changes in medications and the plan of care are made accordingly. Ongoing caregiver education is also provided.
NURSING ASSISTANT
A nursing assistant provides additional services based on the needs of the patient, per the plan of care. These services may include bathing and other personal care as requested by the patient and caregiver.
MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Medical social workers counsel the patient and/or caregiver in the home, hospital, or facility. They provide practical assistance as well as emotional support. They may refer to helpful community resources, and assist with communications with health care providers, as well as with caregivers. Your rights to receive and refuse treatments are clarified with their help.
GRIEF AND LOSS COUNSELOR
Our counselors work with families by offering support throughout the grief experience. They maintain contact with caregivers and families for up to thirteen months after the death of a loved one, and are also available at other times in the grief process.
CHAPLAIN
A chaplain is available for spiritual support and guidance. A hospice chaplain provides support and care that honors the patient's beliefs and values.
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER
Hospice volunteers support the work of the hospice staff. Volunteers are not clinical personnel. They are lay people who can provide practical support to patients, families, and caregivers during this time. Volunteers are carefully screened and have taken approximately fifteen hours of training prior to working with our patients and families.
Volunteers may stay in the home for short periods of time to relieve the primary caregiver(s). Volunteers provide services to the patient, such as reading, helping with personal correspondence, playing games, shopping, and running errands. They may also do light household tasks, such as preparing a simple meal for the patient and helping with grocery shopping.
ON-CALL STAFF
A registered nurse is on-call to handle emergencies. Once the nurse has assessed the problem, he or she may advise you over the phone or make a visit to further evaluate the patient's needs. The on-call physician may also consult the patient's attending physician.