Who Provides Care

Hospice Care Network, an interdisciplinary team of specially trained professionals provide physical, social, spiritual and emotional care to the patients and their families during the last stages of illness, during the dying process, and during bereavement.

Who are the Team Members?

The Patient is the primary member of the Team

Family members will act as the primary caregivers in support of the patient and to assist the other team members in caring for the patient.

Physicians, in conjunction with the Patient’s primary physician, hospice medical directors develop the best plan of care for the patient’s all around care, comfort and well-being.

Nurses are specially trained in the care of hospice patients, and provide ongoing monitoring of the patient’s condition. They educate the caregivers in the continuing support and care of the patient in such areas as turning, positioning, medication delivery and activities of daily living.

Social workers provide assistance with practical and financial concerns as well as emotional support, counseling and bereavement follow-up. They evaluate the need for volunteers and other support services needed by the family and facilitate communication between the family and community agencies.

Home health aides provide personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, feeding and bathing, and hands-on care. They also perform limited household services to maintain a safe and sanitary environment in the area of the home used by the patient.

Registered Dietitians are specially trained in end-of-life nutrition and provide suggestions and recommendations to help patients and their caregivers maintain the best quality of life.

Pastoral care counselors provide non-denominational spiritual support to patients and families, often serving as a liaison between them and their religious community. Chaplains also often assist with memorial services and funeral arrangements.

Trained volunteers provide a number of important services. They offer direct patient support, companionship and practical, caring help. Volunteers can assist primary caregivers by sitting with the patient to provide the caregivers respite from the sometimes overwhelming task of providing around the clock care for a loved one.