Hospice & Bereavement

Hospice

Hospice is compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness or injury that focuses on caring, not curing. Hospice involves an interdisciplinary approach to medical care, pain management, and emotional and support tailored to the client and his or her loved one’s needs and wishes. Hospice believes that we each have the right to die with dignity and helps to provide the support needed to do so.

Hospice care can be provided where the client lives, whether that is at home, in a long-term care facility, or assisted living. It may also be provided in a hospital setting.

Our Hospice services include:

• Medical care provided by Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Physicians to focus on controlling symptoms, maximizing function, and providing comfort measures
• Assistance at home provided by Hospice Aides, Homemakers, and Volunteers to help with bathing and/or other personal care needs, laundry, light housekeeping, shopping, and errands
• Psychosocial and emotional support provided by a licensed social worker to assist the client and loved ones with emotional needs, financial concerns, and provide bereavement support to family and loved ones
• Spiritual care provided by the Hospice Chaplain or their own Clergy
• Providing medications, supplies, and equipment for end of life comfort. This may include pain medication, oxygen, hospital bed, or other items as needed
• Education and outreach to the community about end of life care

Bereavement Program

Following the death of a loved one, Hospice provides support to families in need of grief counseling. Families are placed on a call list and the Hospice Social Worker and Volunteers make phone calls, send letters and cards and offer home visits to assess how each person is doing after the death of their loved one. Each month, a newsletter called Journeys is sent to each bereaved family that contains articles about death, dying, and grief and can assist with helping bereaved persons cope with the loss of their loved one. The Hospice Chaplain is also available to assist with needs for spiritual support. Twice a year, The Grief Recovery Method Outreach Program is offered to anyone facing any kind of loss. It is an 8-week program that takes place one time per week in the spring and fall and offers guidance to moving beyond loss. In addition, a Grief and the Holidays program is also offered prior to the holidays to help the persons cope with upcoming special events after the loss of a loved one. Hospice also hosts a Remembrance Service each November to honor those that have passed away over the course of the year on our Hospice program.

When it matters most, turn to those who have been here for you all along…