What is Hospice?

Hospice Team

• A case manager/nurse will visit the patient based on the needs of the patient and family. During these visits, the case manager/nurse will review physical, emotional and spiritual findings and determine and record any changes necessary to provide optimal care and manage the disease process.
• A hospice aide, under the supervision of the case manager/nurse, will visit the patient according to the schedule that is set up at the time of admission. The number of visits per week can be adjusted depending on the needs of the patient and family. The hospice aide will assist in bathing/grooming, recording vital signs and report to the case manager/nurse of any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Guided by the patient and family’s needs the social worker coordinates the resources of the family, the hospice and the community into an integrated program of support.
• Chaplains provide pastoral care that coordinates spiritual services offered through the hospice staff, local religious organizations or community clergy.
• Volunteers can be requested by the family to provide caregiver relief, patient companionship or other services that may be of assistance to the family.

Making the Hospice Decision