Hospice programs help patients live as fully as possible for as long as possible. These programs provide relief from symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath and confusion so that patients can spend more time with their loved ones. Hospice services also include emotional and spiritual support to help patients and families prepare for death.
Hospice is available to anyone who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, regardless of age or ability to pay. It is not meant to replace curative treatment or other medical services; rather it’s intended as an addition to continued medical treatment, so that patients may receive more focused attention on their comfort instead of focusing on their disease and symptoms.
What is Hospice?
Hospice care is a special kind of care designed to meet your needs as you near the end of life. Hospice care is provided by a team of health care professionals who work together to maximise comfort and reduce pain for you and your family.
Our goal is to help you live as comfortably as possible during your final days. We know that every patient’s journey is unique and we have an experienced team that can help you find the best possible solution for your needs, whether it’s palliative care or hospice services.
Care We Provide
• Home-based care so that you can spend more time with family and friends in familiar surroundings.
• In-home medical care, including medications, treatments and equipment to help manage symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath.
• Palliative care, which helps relieve symptoms and aims to improve quality of life by relieving pain and suffering caused by serious illness.
Hospice Team
Every patient is cared for by a dedicated hospice team of ProHealth professionals tailored to meet the needs of that patient and family. The interdisciplinary team includes:
Hospice Medical Director
Works with the patient’s attending physician and the hospice team, handling medical components of patient care (including, but not limited to, certification of terminal illness, consultation and overall program evaluation.
Registered Nurse
Case management of the patient and caregiver needs, planning and organizing care and implementing the plan of care.
Social Worker
Provides psychological and emotional assessment of the patient and caregiver. Counsels patient and caregiver regarding death, dying and bereavement.
Hospice Aide
Provides personal, direct hands-on care under the supervision of the Registered Nurse Case Manager.
Spiritual Care Coordinator
Facilitates interaction and direct contact between the community clergy, patient and/or caregiver. Assists patients and caregivers with spiritual issues.
Bereavement Counselors
Provide anticipatory counseling and bereavement support to family and caregivers. They continue to support the immediate family for a year following death.