What Our Services offer

The Physician on Duty (DOP) is available to provide expert medical services and support. 

Symptom Management:

• The POD is responsible for assessing and managing the symptoms that patients experience, such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety, etc. 
• They work to ensure that pain relief and symptoms are optimized, and can often suggest adjusting medications as necessary to maintain comfort. 

Collaborative Care:

• Our POD works closely with our hospice interdisciplinary team, which includes nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other health care providers, to ensure compassionate and quality care for the patient and their family.
• They participate in regular team meetings to discuss patient care plans and make adjustments, unique to each patient. 

Medical Oversight: 

• The physician on duty provides oversight for patient care, reviewing medical records, ensuring the appropriate use of medications, and coordinating with other specialists or services if necessary. 

End-of-Life Planning:

• The POD plays a critical role in discussing and supporting advanced care planning, including discussions about the patient's goals for care, advanced directives, and other orders. 
•  They can provide support to families and patients by helping them understand the end-of-life process and offering guidance in making important decisions during this time. 

Patient Assessment:

• The physician on duty performs clinical assessments to evaluate the patient's current health status, including any changes in symptoms, physical function, or mental state.
• Our POD usually conducts visits to patients' homes to provide direct care or consultations, but visits may also be put in place at inpatient units. 

Crisis Management:

• If there is a sudden change in a patient's condition or a medical emergency, the POD is available to respond quickly.
• This might involve adjusting medications, recommending additional interventions, or offering urgent advice to the care team. 

The Physician on Duty is a vital member of the team, responsible for overseeing medical care and ensuring that the patient's symptoms are well managed. They work collaboratively with the hospice team, provide guidance on end-of-life planning, and offer direct medical assessments and interventions. Their primary goal is to ensure the patient is as comfortable and pain-free as possible. 

The registered nurse (RN) ensures high-quality clinical care and symptom management.  

Patient Assessment

• The RN conducts initial assessments of the patient's health condition and ongoing evaluations throughout the patient's hospice care journey. This includes monitoring vital signs, pain levels, mental state, and any changes in the patient's symptoms. 
• The RN is trained to observe subtle signs of distress or deterioration and reports them to the physician on duty and the rest of the hospice team

Symptom Management

• One of the key roles of the hospice RN is to manage symptoms that can arise in terminally ill patients, such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, anxiety, and fatigue. 
• They administer medications as prescribed by the physician. 
• The RN works to ensure that patients remain as comfortable as possible, adjusting medications or comfort levels, based on the patient's feedback and assessment. 

Care Planning and Coordination:

• The RN is involved in developing and updating personalized care plans for patients. These care plans are created with input from the entire hospice team, including physicians, social workers, chaplains, and family members. 
• The RN ensures the care plan is tailored to the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and that the care provided aligns with the patient's goals and wishes. 

Providing Direct Care: 

• The RN provides hands-on care for patients, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding, if needed.
• They may also provide wound care, manage catheter placement, or assist with other medical procedures that are part of the patient's care plan. 

Educational and Support for Family and Caregivers: 

• The RN offers education and guidance to the patient's family and caregivers, helping them understand the patients condition, the symptoms to expect, and how to manage care at home. 
• They may also provide emotional support to families, helping them cope with the challenges of caregiving and the emotional stress of caring for a loved one at the end of life. 
• The RN may teach families how to administer medications, manage symptoms, and use equipment (e.g., oxygen, feeding tubes, etc.)

End-of-Life Support:

• As a part of their role, hospice RNs provide compassionate care to patients as they approach to end of life. This involves ensuring comfort, addressing any final wishes, and helping the patient and family prepare for their loved ones passing. 
• They may help facilitate difficult conversations, such as discussing advance directives, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, or other aspects of the patient's final care preferences. 

Communication with the Hospice Team: 

• The RN is a key member of the hospice interdisciplinary team. They collaborate with physicians, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare providers to ensure that the patient's care is comprehensive and aligned with their goals. 
• The RN communicates regularly with the physician on duty, reporting on the patients condition and any changes in symptoms, and helps make adjustments to the care plan. 

Crisis Management and Immediate Care: 

• The RN is trained to handle medical crises and unexpected changes in a patient's condition. For example, if a patient experiences severe pain, shortness of breath, or agitation, the RN will take immediate action to alleviate symptoms. 
• They may administer medications, help manage any acute episodes, and stabilize the patient's condition until further medical intervention is provided.

A Registered Nurse (RN) in hospice care is essential for providing day-to-day medical care and ensuring that patients remain comfortable and pain-free as possible. They assess the patient's condition, manage symptoms, administer medication, and work closely with the hospice team to create a care plan tailored to the patients needs. Additionally, RNs offer invaluable support and education to families, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to provide compassionate care at home. Their role is integral to the hospice philosophy of providing comprehensive, compassionate care that respects the patient's dignity and wishes. 

Social Workers assist with emotional and social support, helping families navigate challenges. 

Emotional and Psychological Support:

• Counseling: Social workers provide individual or family counseling to help patients and their loved ones cope with the emotional aspects of terminal illness, grief, and loss. This may involve helping patients and families work through feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or sadness.
• End-of-Life Conversations: They assist patients and families in discussing difficult topics such as death, dying, and loss, facilitating conversations about advance directives, wishes for care, and funeral planning. 

Caregiver Support and Education: 

• Hospice social workers offer support to caregivers, who often face emotional, physical, and financial stress. They provide guidance on coping strategies and self-care techniques to prevent caregiver burnout. 
• They also educate caregivers about the patient's condition, what to expect as they become weaker and their illness progresses, and how to manage symptoms like pain, nausea, or anxiety. 

Assistance with Practical and Financial Concerns: 

• Resource Coordination: Social workers help families navigate the logistical challenges of hospice care by connecting them with community resources such as financial assistance, legal support, home health aids, or respite care services. 
• They may assist with understanding insurance coverage, including Medicare or Medicaid eligibility, and provide guidance on how to access financial support or programs for families struggling with medical expenses. 

Facilitating Advanced Care Planning: 

• Social workers help patients and families with advance care planning. This includes discussions about the patient's goals of care, ensuring that their wishes are respected and that they are informed about their options regarding treatments
• They assist in completing advance directives, including Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and Living Wills, ensuring that the patient's desires for end-of-life care are documented. 

Grief and Bereavement Support: 

• A major aspect of a social worker's role is offering grief counseling and bereavement support both during the patient's illness and after death. They help family members cope with anticipatory grief and the profound loss of a loved one. 
• Social workers provide ongoing grief support through individual counseling, support groups, and resource referrals to help families navigate the mourning process. 

Crisis Intervention:

• Social workers are trained to handle emotional crises, whether triggered by a sudden change in the patient's condition, family conflicts, or the overwhelming nature of the end-of-life process. 
• They intervene in moments of crisis, offering immediate emotional support, helping family members communicate effectively, and providing guidance on next steps. 

Hospice social workers provide comprehensive support to both patients and their families, ensuring that emotional, practical, and spiritual needs are met during the final stages of life. They serve as a key part of the hospice team, offering comfort, resources, and assistance to help families cope with a loved one's illness and death. 

The Chaplain offers spiritual guidance and emotional support to patients and families.

Spiritual and Emotional Support: 

• For Patients: Hospice chaplains provide a compassionate, open, safe space for patients to explore their spiritual and existential concerns. They support patients in finding peace, comfort, and closure during tough times, whether it involves prayer, reflection, or spiritual practices. 
• For Families: Chaplains offer emotional support to family members who are struggling with the impending loss of a loved one. They help family members cope with fear, grief, or unresolved issues, often providing comfort in the form of spiritual conversations or services. 

Providing Religious Practices:

• Religious Observances: If desired by the patient or family, a chaplain can conduct religious practices such as prayer, anointing, or last rites according to the patient's faith tradition. 
• Faith-Based Guidance: Chaplains are often trained in various religious practices and can help patients and families integrate their faith into the hospice experience, providing support aligned with their religious beliefs. 

Offering Fulfillment and Clarity: 

• Spiritual Reflection: For many individuals facing terminal illness, questions of life's meaning, purpose, and the afterlife may arise. Hospice chaplains help patients explore these questions and provide spiritual guidance to help them find comfort and resolution. 
• Life Review: Chaplains can help patients reflect on their life, fostering a sense of accomplishment, peace, and closure. This process can bring comfort and healing to both the patient and their loved ones. 

Interdisciplinary Team Member:

• Chaplains work alongside nurses, social workers, doctors, and other hospice professionals as part of an interdisciplinary team. They help ensure comprehensive care by addressing the spiritual aspect of the patient's well-being. 

The Spiritual Counselor/Chaplain is much more than a religious figure. They are compassionate listeners, guides, and sources of comfort during the most challenging times in life. They address the spiritual, emotional, and religious needs of patients and families, helping them to cope with the passing of their loved one, find peace, and find closure. Their presence can be an essential part of the hospice team, ensuring that every aspect of the patient's well-being - physical, emotional, and  spiritual - is cared for.  

Bereavement services offer emotional, practical, and psychological support to individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. 

Emotional Support:

• Bereavement counselors or social workers offer emotional support to help the family cope with their feelings of loss. This might include one-on-one sessions or group counseling. 

Greif Education: 

• Hospice staff often provide information about the grieving process, explaining the common stages of grief and helping individuals understand what they might experience emotionally and physically as they grieve. 

Follow-up Support:

• Bereavement services usually include follow-up care for a certain period after the passing of your loved one (often six months to a year). This ensures that family members have continued access to support during the early stages of their grief. 

Resources:

• Hospice organizations may provide resources such as reading materials, support groups, or referrals to therapists or other professionals to help individuals through their journey. 

The goal of bereavement services is to help individuals adjust to life without their loved one, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide coping strategies for their emotional well-being. It's an essential part of hospice care, as it acknowledges that grief is a long-term process that continues after the patient's passing. 

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists address rehabilitation and functional needs to enhance the patient's quality of life. 

Physical Therapist (PTs)

• PTs focus on improving or maintaining physical mobility and reducing pain or discomfort, especially for patients with limited movement due to illness. 
  • Pain Management: They help alleviate pain through specific exercise, stretches, or mobility techniques.
  • Mobility Support: PTs assist patients in maintaining or improving their ability to move, whether it's walking, transferring from bed to chair, or other forms of movement. 
  • Fall Prevention: They assess and suggest ways to reduce the risk of falls, especially for patients with weakness or poor balance. 
  • Positioning: PTs help with positioning patients comfortably to avoid pressure sores and help them feel more at ease, especially if they are bedridden. 

Occupational Therapist (OTs)

• OTs focus on helping patients continue to perform daily activities (like eating, dressing, or bathing) as independently as possible, despite physical limitations. 
  • Daily Activities: OTs assess how well a patient can perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and provide assistive tools or techniques (e.g., adaptive devices like special utensils, dressing aids, or shower chairs). 
  • Energy Conservation: They teach patients how to conserve energy during daily tasks, which can be particularly helpful if the patient feels fatigued or weak.
  •  Home Modifications:  OTs assess the home environment and recommend changes (e.g., grab bars, ramps) to improve safety and accessibility. 
  • Psychosocial Support: They help patients maintain a sense of independence and control over their lives, which is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. 

Speech Therapist (STs):

• STs address issues related to communication and swallowing, which are common in patients with advanced illness. 
  • Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia):  They asses swallowing function and help patients manage difficulties, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway). 
  • Communication Support: If a patient has trouble speaking or understanding speech, STs can assist with alternative communication methods, such as using communication boards, writing, or electronic devices. 
  • Cognitive and Memory Support: In some cases, speech therapists help patients with cognitive challenges related to memory or thinking, offering strategies to enhance mental clarity.  
  • Oral Care and Comfort: They help improve the patient's comfort by addressing mouth dryness or discomfort and assisting with techniques to make swallowing and talking easier. 
  • Comfort and Symptom Management: These therapists work to ensure that patients are as comfortable as possible, focusing on managing symptoms like pain, fatigue, and difficulty swallowing or speaking. 
  • Enhancing Quality of Life: The therapists help patients maintain as much independence and function as possible, which supports emotional and psychological well-being during the end-of-life care. 
  • Dignity and Independence: Their work emphasizes preserving the patient's dignity, allowing them to remain as independent as possible and continue engaging in meaningful activities, despite their declining health. 

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists are dedicated to improving or maintaining a patient's functional abilities, providing comfort, and helping them live as well as possible during their final stages in life. 

We assist with wound treatment and management. Wound care is provided with the goal of preventing infection, controlling pain, and focusing on comfort, rather than aggressive healing treatments. 

Assessment of the Wound:

• Nurses regularly assess the wound to determine the type, size, and severity. This includes checking for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or unusual odor. 
• The location and nature of the wound are also considered (e.g., pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, or diabetic ulcers). 

Cleaning the Wound:

• Cleaning the wound is an important step to preventing infection. It may involve using saline solution or a gentle cleanser, depending on the type of wound. 
• Harsh antiseptics or scrubbing is avoided to minimize discomfort and prevent tissue damage. 

Dressing the Wound:

• Wound dressings are applied to protect the wound, absorb exudate (fluid), and prevent infection. 
• The choice of dressing depends on the type and condition of the wound, and it may include gauze, hydrocolloids, foam, or other specialized dressings. 
• Dressings are changed as needed, considering patient comfort and the wound's condition. 

Pain Management:

• Patients with wounds may experience pain or discomfort, so appropriate pain management is essential. 
• Medications (such as topical analgesics or systemic pain relievers) are administered to keep the patient comfortable during wound care.

Pressure Relief:

• For patients with pressure ulcers (bedsores), it's important to relieve pressure from the affected area regularly. 
• Special mattresses, cushions, or repositioning techniques are used to prevent further injury to the skin and underlying tissue. 

Infection Control: 

• Infections can worsen wounds, so managing infection is critical. This may involve using antibiotics or other treatments to keep the wound from becoming infected. 

Moisture Balance:

• Maintaining the right moisture balance is key to wound healing and comfort. Both excessive moisture and dryness can hinder the healing process. 
• Various dressings can help manage moisture, depending on the wound's needs. 

Comfort Measures:

• Emotional and psychological comfort is equally important. Wound care is performed with a focus on maintaining dignity and reducing stress for the patient. 
• Communication with the patient and their family members is essential for ensuring that their preferences and comfort needs are respected. 

Wound care is not only about curing the wound, but about managing it in a way that improves the patient's overall comfort and quality of life during their final days. 

Many patients are cared for at home, and ensuring that they have the necessary medications delivered to their location is an essential part of the process.  

Pharmacy Coordination: 

• Our Care team works closely with specialized pharmacies to arrange the timely delivery of medications to patients' locations. 
• Our hospice team sends prescriptions directly to the pharmacy, specifying the medications, dosages, and delivery instructions. 

Scheduled Delivery:

• Medications are typically delivered on a regular schedule, either weekly or as needed, depending on the patient's condition and the medication required. 
• Urgent or as-needed deliveries can be arranged if a patient requires new or additional medications quickly to manage pain or other symptoms. 

Medication Management and Support: 

• Hospice team members (nurses, social workers, and chaplains) ensure that patients and families understand the medications being delivered, including the proper storage, usage, and when to administer them. 
• Our team may also help with medication tracking, making sure the medications last until the next delivery, and assisting with any side effects or complications. 

24/7 Availability: 

• Our hospice offers 24/7 support, meaning that if there is an additional medication or a change in prescriptions, they can ensure prompt delivery. 

Patient and Family Support:

• Hospice providers educate family members and caregivers about proper medication handling, ensuring they are comfortable with the medications being delivered, how to store them, and how to administer them when needed. 

Benefits of Medication Delivery to the Home:

• Convenience: Patients and families do not have to go to a pharmacy, which can be difficult due to illness or mobility limitations.
• Timeliness: Medications are delivered as needed, ensuring there are no gaps in treatment or pain management. 
• Reduced Stress: Medication delivery helps reduce the stress of needing to go out for prescriptions, allowing families to focus on caring for their loved ones. 
• Comprehensive Care: Our team can make sure medications are properly managed, reducing the likelihood of errors or missed doses. 

Medication delivery to the home ensures that patients receive the medications they need to manage pain, discomfort, and other symptoms without needing to go to a pharmacy. It involves coordination between the hospice team, pharmacies, and delivery services to ensure timely and reliable delivery. This process is designed to make life easier for patients and their families, providing comfort and support during difficult times. 

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) refers to medical devices that are designed for long-term use, intended for home use, and are durable enough to withstand repeated use. 

Durable Medical Equipment typically includes:

• Hospital Beds: Adjustable beds that allow the patient to sit up or recline for comfort or medical needs. 
• Wheelchairs and Scooter: Mobility devices to assist with movement and independence. 
• Oxygen Equipment: Oxygen tanks or concentrators to support patients with breathing difficulties. 
• Patient Lifts: Devices that help caregivers lift and transfer patients safely to prevent injury. 
• Commodes and Bedside Toilets: Equipment to assist with toileting when patients have limited mobility. 
• Pressure Relief Mattresses and Cushions: Special mattresses or cushions that reduce the risk of pressure sores or ulcers for patients who are immobile. 
• Nebulizers and Breathing Machines: Devices that help with breathing treatments for conditions like COPD or asthma. 
• Suction Machine: Used to clear the airway in patients who have difficulty swallowing or breathing. 

Benefits of DME:

• Comfort: DME helps provide a higher level of comfort for patients, particularly in managing pain, improving mobility, and supporting proper positioning. 
• Independence: Equipment like wheelchairs, scooters, and lifts can allow patients to maintain some independence and avoid being reliant on caregivers. 
• Safety: DME helps ensure the safety of patients and caregivers by preventing accidents or injuries when moving or caring for the patient. 
• Symptom Management: Oxygen equipment, nebulizers, and pressure relief mattresses are used to manage symptoms and provide relief, such as for difficulty breathing or preventing bedsores. 
• Cost-effective: When provided by a hospice care team, DME is often covered by insurance as a part of the patient's care, ensuring they receive the necessary equipment without additional financial burdens. 

Our care team provides and manages these devices as part of our overall patient care, ensuring that the equipment is tailored to each patient's specific needs.  

Incontinent supplies refer to a variety of products designed to manage urinary or bowel incontinence in individuals who are unable to control their bladder or bowel movements. These supplies are essential for maintaining comfort and hygiene for patients who face difficulty managing incontinence. 

Types of Incontinent Supplies:

• Adult Diapers or Briefs: These are absorbent garments designed to be worn by individuals with moderate to severe incontinence. They are similar to regular diapers but are made for adults and come in various sizes and absorbencies. 
• Underpads or Chux: These disposable pads are placed on a patient's bed, chair, or any other surface to protect it from leaks and maintain cleanliness. They absorb urine and provide an extra layer of protection. 
• Incontinence Pads and Liners: Smaller, thinner absorbent pads that fit inside underwear for those with light to moderate incontinence. They help to keep the patient dry and comfortable. 
• Catheters: A catheter is a tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine into a collection bag. In some cases, patients with severe incontinence or difficulty urinating may use an indwelling catheter. 
• Disposable or Reusable Underwear: These are designed to be worn like regular underwear but have built-in absorbency to manage light to moderate urinary incontinence. 
• Wipes and Skin Care Products: Special wipes and skin creams are used to cleanse the skin, reduce irritation, and prevent sores caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. 
• Barrier Creams: These are used to protect the skin from moisture and prevent rashes or breakdown, which is particularly important for patients who are bedridden or have fragile skin. 

How Incontinent Supplies are Useful:

• Maintaining Comfort: Incontinence can cause discomfort due to skin irritation, leakage, or constant wetness. Incontinent supplies help keep the patients dry, reducing discomfort and preventing skin breakdown. 
• Preserving Dignity: For patients who may be conscious of their condition, incontinence products help maintain a level of dignity by preventing visible leaks or accidents, allowing them to feel more confident. 
• Promoting Hygiene: Proper management of incontinence prevents the buildup of urine or stool on the skin, which can lead to infections, sores, or rashes. These supplies make is easier to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of complications. 
• Reducing Caregiver Strain: Incontinence supplies allow caregivers to manage the patient's needs more easily, minimizing the physical strain of cleaning up accidents and allowing them to focus on other aspects of care. 
• Enhancing Quality of Life: By managing incontinence effectively, our patients are more likely to remain comfortable and confident, which can improve their overall sense of well-being and quality of life during their final stages of life. 

Providing incontinence supplies is an important part of personalized care, ensuring that the patient's physical and emotional needs are met while maintaining as much comfort, dignity, and quality of life as possible.