About
Our hospice program improves the quality of life for patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and gives their family members both technical and emotional support. This type of care is only given when treatment or cure is no longer likely. It is our goal to relieve the symptoms that affect each individual and give them support so that they live fully and comfortably for the remainder of their lives.
Hospice care provided by our team of professionals who, in addition to providing hands-on care, teach family members what they need to know about caring for a loved one. RNs are available by telephone 24 hours a day and can make visits after office hours when needed. Other team members include a social worker, personal care aide, volunteer, physician, pharmacist, and chaplain.
Hospice care includes:
Bereavement Care
Losing a loved one is the most difficult part of the hospice journey. Our hospice team will be there to help you as you go through the grieving process. A trained volunteer, clergy member, or professional counselor provides support to survivors through visits, phone calls, and/or other contact, as well as through support groups. Our hospice team can refer you and other caregiving friends to other medical or professional care if needed. Bereavement services are available for over a year after the patient’s passing.
Respite Care
Respite care is available to the families and friends of patients who are being cared for at home. This service allows them some relief from caregiving in order to attend to their needs. Respite care can be given in up to 5-day periods of time, during which patients are cared for. Families and caregiving friends can relax while their loved ones are being cared for by our professionals.
Family Meetings
We regularly schedule family meetings that are led by either a hospice nurse or a social worker. These meetings are done to ensure that the family members and caregiving friends are well-informed about the condition of the patient and what they should expect. These meetings also give everyone a chance to share what they feel and talk about what is happening. Family members and caregiving friends are given support and stress relief through these meetings. Daily updates may also be given informally as the nurse or nursing assistant talks with patients and their caregivers during routine visits.
Pain and Symptom Control
One of the main goals of hospice is to control the pain and symptoms that come with their condition. This allows them to be comfortable while remaining in control. This means that discomfort, pain, and side effects are managed to make sure that patients are as free of pain and symptoms as possible, yet alert enough to enjoy the people around them and make important decisions.
Spiritual Care
Due to each individual having different spiritual needs and religious beliefs, this service is set up to meet those specific needs. This service will include helping them look at what death means to them, helping them say good-bye, or helping with a certain religious ceremony or ritual.
Home Care
Although most hospice care is centered around the client’s home, there are times when the patient needs to be admitted to the hospital and other care facilities. Our ACE home hospice team can arrange for inpatient care and will stay involved in patient’s care and with their families. Patients can go back to in-home care when patients and their families are ready.
Coordination of Care
Our interdisciplinary hospice team coordinates and supervises all care 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. This team is responsible for making sure that all involved services share information. This may include the inpatient facility, the home care agency, the doctor, and other community professionals, such as pharmacists, clergy, and funeral directors. Patients and their caregivers are encouraged to contact their hospice team if they are having a problem, any time of the day or night. There’s always someone on call to help patients with whatever may arise. Our hospice care assures patients and their families that they are not alone and help is available at any time.
Give Us a Call!
We honor the End of Life Act and strive to provide each client with high-quality care and assistance. Please contact us today to find out how we can help you.