Did you Know?
- According to The New England Journal of Medicine, patients who chose hospice and palliative care lived three months longer and had better quality of life, with fewer side effects than those who opted for aggressive medical treatment.
- Hospice is covered for qualifying Medicare and Medicaid patients, and most health insurance has a hospice benefit.
What is Hospice?
Hospice is expert, compassionate care for people expected to live less than six months. Hospice helps meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of dying patients and their families. Hospice teams visit patients wherever they live. Services include:
- Pain and symptom management
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Expert pharmacy and medical equipment services
- Comfort therapies: massage, aromatherapy, music & art therapy
- Respite care for fatigued caregivers
- Help with end of life planning
- Grief and bereavement services
Typical Hospice Support Consists of:
- RN—The registered nurse (RN) coordinates care between physicians, facility staff, pharmacy, medical procedures and the patient’s family. The RN ensures that the patient receives optimal supportive care.
- Social Worker—The social worker provides counseling and resource management.
- Nursing Assistants—Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide comfort focused on personal care, activities of daily living and mobility.
- Volunteer Services—Volunteers offer companionship through listening, diversion and activities that enhance quality of life. Their duties are flexible to meet the unique needs of each patient and their family.
- Bereavement Services—Trained grief counselors provide support to families and professional care givers.
- Chaplain Support—Chaplains are trained to support each patient’s and family’s unique spiritual identity and religious faith as they approach end-of-life.
Family and friends—When you or a loved one need end-of-life help, hospice is there for you.
Article Provided by:
CHI Mercy Health Hospice
541-677-2384
www.MercyRose.org