Hospice and
Palliative Care
​
Hospice Care: Hospice care is a specialized type of care that treats the whole person, with a focus on improving the quality of life that remains, rather than trying to cure the disease. Our hospice care team provides expert medical care, pain management, and symptom relief, as well as emotional, spiritual, psychosocial, and practical support for both patients and their families.
​
Our hospice services are available 24/7 and can be provided in the patient's home, a nursing home or residential facility, or at a contracted inpatient facility or hospital. In addition to medical care, we also provide medication for pain control and symptom management, medical supplies, equipment, support with daily activities and personal care, education and assistance for caregivers, specialized therapy services, companionship, and supportive community resources. Our bereavement services are also available to support loved ones after the patient's passing.
​
​
Palliative Care: Palliative care is a medical specialty that focuses on managing the physical and emotional impact of serious illness. Our team provides effective communication, coordination of care, and relief from pain, stress, and other debilitating symptoms. Unlike hospice care, palliative care can be given at any time during a patient's illness and is not dependent on the prognosis. Palliative care can be given while still pursuing a cure for the illness.
​What role do volunteers play in hospice care?
​Hospice provides trained volunteers to aid the family and patients. Most hospice volunteers are trained to relieve the primary caregivers, do household chores, and help bathe the patients. Perhaps the most important task, however, is their ability to be “good listeners.” Volunteers also support the work of the hospice program that might not involve patient or family interaction.