John Schumacher of Schumacher Law, PC is proud to sponsor
this educational information from Help for Health Hospice.
Hospice is focused on living. People who utilize hospice services early in the course of a life-limiting illness have more time to develop a personal and professional rapport with hospice staff and volunteers, discuss goals, and create an optimal plan of care designed around patient and family wishes.
Hospice services treat the whole patient which includes their physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs.
A. Physical Care:
The patient’s attending physician directs medical care for the patient who wishes to remain at home. Hospice’s Medical director is available for consultations, or to act as the attending physician if the patient does not currently have an attending physician. Hospice coordinates patient care with the referring physician and appropriate community agencies and instructs family members in giving care. Help for Health Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants help in pain relief, symptom control, and general patient care. Inpatient (facility) care is available for acute pain/symptom control, respite for the caregivers, and for patients that want their care to take place in the Hospice Home.
B. Emotional Care:
Social workers help patients and family members deal with social, psychological, financial, and related factors that affect a family’s ability to cope with a terminal illness. Hospice’s social worker and Coordinator of Clinical Services provide these support services.
C. Spiritual Care:
Hospice has pastoral care who serves as a chaplain. Chaplains of various denominations may be available for visits at the request of a patient and/or family.
D. Volunteer Services:
Trained volunteers provide support by giving limited personal care. They provide companionship for patients and respite for family members and other caregivers, run errands, and spend time listening and sharing with the patient and/or family.
E. Bereavement Services:
Hospice bereavement program offers support to families and loved ones for 13 months following the death of a patient. Families are offered counseling, grief education, and group support, as well as informational mailings. Professional referrals are made when needed.
Fremont County is fortunate to have great choices for both inpatient Hospice care and in-home Hospice services. Ask your healthcare provider about getting a consultation to answer any questions you might have.
Information provided by Help for Health.
