 |
| |
|
|
 |
Hospice of St. Mary's cares for the whole person, and through pain and symptom management, helps the terminally ill person to live more comfortably during their final phases of life.
- Hospice Medical Director provides consultation to the patient's physician and overall medical guidance for the Hospice team and participates in the patient/family care planning.
- Patient's Physician works with the Hospice Nurse to design and oversee a plan of care and to coordinate medical equipment, supplies and medications.
- Registered Nurses provide skilled pain management services and caregiver education to help reduce complications and enhance family support. They coordinate the provision of medical equipment, supplies and medications, communicate with attending physicians and are "on call" 24 hours a day, seven days a week for patients and families.
- Medical Social Workers assist families in identifying their personal and community resources and developing support networks to aid in coping with a life-limiting illness.
- Certified Nurse Aides, under the supervision of the Hospice Nurse, provide patients with personal care and assistance with the activities of daily living.
- Ancillary Therapists provide additional types of therapy such as physical, occupational, speech and respiratory, when medically indicated.
- Emotional and physical assessment and counseling for patient and or family members of caregivers.
- Trained volunteers offer assistance with the activities of daily living and friendly support, companionship and encouragement to patients and family members.
- Education and information on death and dying and related issues.
- At home medication for pain and symptom control.
- Crisis period continued care.
- Counselors offer emotional and spiritual support, along with bereavement services to family members throughout the first year after loss.
|
|
|
| |
Quality of Life
We offer the best possible quality of life by addressing any pain or other distressing symptoms, promptly and completely. Social work and chaplaincy services tend to the patient's and family's needs for psychosocial, emotional and spiritual care. Personal care aides, volunteers and other members of the Hospice team help the patient to retain dignity, autonomy, and control as life ends.
Medicine and Medical Supplies
In addition to the attention and support of the interdisciplinary team, Hospice services include drugs, medical supplies, and medical equipment such as a bed or wheelchair that may be needed by the patient in connection with his or her terminal illness. Respite care is available for family members depleted by the courageous task of caring for a loved one at home. Although Hospice care is included as a benefit under most insurance policies, including Medicare, Hospice care in St. Mary's is available to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. No one living with a terminal illness is turned away from Hospice because of lack of funds.
Grief/Bereavement Counseling
Support for the patient's family continues for 13 months following the death of their loved one. Hospice of St. Mary’s offers personal attention, compassion and comfort to those groups experiencing the pain of loss.
Safe Passage
Just as a butterfly sheds its chrysalis to fly free and unbounded, so do body, mind and spirit undergo profound transformation at the end of life. Just as we cannot know precisely how and when a baby will be born, we cannot know precisely how and when death will come. The dying time is as unique as the person who is experiencing it. Changes do occur on the physical, spiritual and emotional dimension of our being. They may pass more rapidly or slowly than stated.
On the physical dimension, bodily functions alter, slow and finally cease. On the emotional and spiritual dimensions, mind and spirit begin the process of release from the body, the environment and all attachments. Hospice’s compassionate medical expertise supports peace in the body which in turn invites spiritual and emotional peace, and release. Dying is safe. |
|
|
| |
Hospice patients are cared for at home, Hospice House, or a nursing center, by specially trained interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, home health aid, spiritual leaders and a cadre of dedicated volunteers. The goal of Hospice care is best described by modern day founder Dame Cicely Saunders: “You matter because you are you. You matter to the last moment of your life. We will do all we can to not only let you die in peace, but also to continue to live until you die”. Hospice is there to support the person and family’s dignity and integrity until the very last moment.
Patients who have been determined to be at end-stages of illness (doctor prognosis of six months or less to live) may benefit from Hospice services. Although Hospice care is included as a benefit under most insurance policies, including Medicare, Hospice care in St. Mary’s is available to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. No one living with a terminal illness is turned away from Hospice because of lack of funds.
Hospice of St. Mary's cares for the whole person, and through pain and symptom management, helps the terminally ill person to live more comfortably during their final stages of life. The focus is on caring, not curing. The Hospice philosophy supports that quality of life can be sustained to the end with appropriate medical management and multidisciplinary support. Patients are supported in living to the end of their lives amid familiar surroundings, comfortable, in dignity, surrounded by loved ones. |
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
