How Does Hospice Work?

Hospice professionals work together as a team to best meet the needs of the patient and family. The following describes the roles each team member plays.

The Primary Physician refers each person for hospice care and continues to be that patient’s primary physician.

The Medical Director links the team to the person’s primary physician and consults with team members.

The Hospice Registered Nurse plans all home nursing care. Regular visits are scheduled by our skilled nursing staff, and a nurse is on-call around the clock for special needs. Emphasis is on teaching the family to care for the patient under the direction and support of a nurse.

The Hospice Social Worker offers support to patients and families learning to cope with the terminal illness. Assistance in making funeral arrangements, community referrals and completing family business affairs is also provided. Sympathetic and caring support is always available.

The Hospice Home Health Aide assists the family in meeting the patient’s physical and hygiene needs. The Hospice Chaplain is available, if requested, to help with spiritual needs, exploring any religious avenue that might bring peace of mind in dealing with end of life issues. Emphasis is placed on supporting the patient’s own religious beliefs.

The Hospice Volunteer Coordinator oversees trained volunteers who help out in many ways…by relief sitting, running errands, or simply listening. Click here to view our volunteer event calendar.

The Hospice Bereavement Coordinator offers support to families who have faced the loss of a loved one. Monthly seminars and support groups are offered to assist the family in making this difficult adjustment. Individual and family counseling are also offered. Click here to view our bereavement support calendar.