The Palliative Team
HOSPICE PHYSICIAN:
The physician assumes overall responsibility for the medical care of the hospice patients and ensures that the medical needs of the patient are being met. The physician reviews the plan of care and medications at hospice meetings and is available for consultation. This does not replace your family physician.
REGISTERED NURSE:
A hospice nurse will make regular visits. The nurse will check to see that the caregivers or family have what they need to provide comfort care and also assists in writing a plan of care that gives direction to the rest of the Team. The nurse gives skilled nursing care, may do medical treatment, and teaches the patient and family. A Registered Nurse is also on- call 24 hours a day to deal with questions, problems, or emergencies.
NURSING ASSISTANT:
The nursing assistant will give personal care and assistance with activities of daily living according to the patient's needs under direction of a registered nurse. These services consist of assistance with moving or walking, bathing, treatments at the direction of the registered nurse, and reporting any change in the patient's condition and needs to the nurse.
SOCIAL WORKER:
The social worker also makes visits and may help patients and their families in the following areas: Identifying community resources, advise concerning financial problems, assistance with completion of Advance Directives, scheduling volunteers or counseling patients and or families concerning end of life issues or need for emotional support.
VOLUNTEERS:
A volunteer is a non-paid hospice trained "friend" who helps in a variety of ways, for example: companionship/support, shopping, errands, transportation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, child care, assist with feeding, back rubs/massages, relaxation techniques and breaks for the family.
CHAPLAIN:
A Hospice Chaplain is available to help as desired and will be offered to all patients on admission. Spiritual support is provided in keeping with patient/family beliefs and is not meant to take the place of your own minister.