HCP 203 Hospice Worksheet

What are the responsibilities of each of the different members of a hospice team?

A registered nurse will act as the case manager for a patient and is responsible for coordinating the patient's care. The nurse's concern is for the total patient with a focus on the patient's physical condition and comfort. The nurse is also the eyes and ears for the doctor and reports any changes or issues that need addressing. Of course, the nurse provides hands-on care and is generally the hospice team member you'll see most often. A hospice medical director is always available for consultation to the patient's own doctors and to the nurses providing hands-on care. The medical director is a doctor and an employee of the hospice. He or she has overall responsibility for the medical component of the patient's care. If needed, the hospice medical director even makes house calls. Another core member of your hospice team is the medical social worker. The role of the social worker encompasses both providing emotional support and providing practical information. Social workers are experts at community and financial resources. For example, the social worker can help with arranging caregiver assistance, or help you apply for insurance and Social Security benefits. They can also provide information and assistance in filling out advance directives and other legal paperwork. In addition, social workers are good listeners. They are skilled at counseling, and they can help when conflicts arise between different family members. The home health aide helps the hospice patient with personal care, including bathing, grooming and tidying up the area around the patient. There are several benefits to using a Home Health Aide even when a patient is feeling reasonably well. First, it helps the patient save energy for more important tasks. In addition, the Home Health Aide can help keep the patient safe. And during the time that the Home Health Aide is in the home the primary caregiver can have a small but much needed break. Bereavement counselors offer grief support services to family and friends after a hospice patient dies. Generally, these services are available for at least a year after the patient's passing. A Dietician, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Pharmacist may also be available to consult or provide care, depending on the individual patient's needs and the availability within a particular hospice organization.

Does hospice help family members as well?

Far from giving up, hospice helps families truly live well and support each other during a stressful, but, in the end, very natural family life passage.

In which settings do hospice personnel visit patients?

Hospice care is available 'on-call' after the administrative office has closed, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Most hospices have nurses available to respond to a call for help within minutes, if necessary. Some hospice programs have chaplains and social workers on call as well.

What kinds of patients does hospice help?

Hospice care is available for anyone who has an illness for which the patient is given a life expectancy of six months or less by their doctor. Hospice care is not just for cancer patients and hospice care can last longer than six months as long as the patient continues to meet the medical guidelines.

Do they have volunteer opportunities?

Hospice of the Valleys has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, whether you would like to volunteer for a limited time to give or have a more flexible schedule. There is also volunteer opportunities beyond working with patients and families.

What is one hospice in your area?

Hospice of the Valleys, 25240 Hancock Ave, Murrieta, CA. (951) 200-7800

What is hospice?

Program designed to provide care for the terminally ill while allowing them to die with dignity.

What are the responsibilities of a hospice volunteer?

Volunteers help with memorial services, fundraising events, conferences, seminars and other special events. Volunteers must complete a 16-18 hour intensive training program which is held regularly at our office. They gain valuable in-depth knowledge and understanding of the hospice philosophy and concept of care. Hospice always has the need for volunteers in patient care, bereavement, office, sewing projects and fundraising. The entire community is invited to attend our training sessions to gain knowledge about hospice without making a commitment to volunteer