Hospice is focused on caring for the whole person, including physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of both client and family. The inter-disciplinary team of professionals and volunteers use their combined knowledge and skills to support an individual and their family in the end-of-life experience.
Hospice programs make it possible for people to spend the final time of their lives at home with support from physicians, nurses, spiritual caregivers, social workers, home health aides and volunteers.
We believe that early introduction of our hospice team is the most effective approach for creating a uniquely supportive environment for the client, family and caregivers. Together, the hospice team places the emphasis on palliative and supportive care, symptom control and pain management.
Hospice and Palliative Care
PET PEACE OF MIND PROGRAM
Supporting the unique bond between hospice clients and their pets…
Pet Peace of Mind is a national initiative developed by the Banfield Charitable Trust which provides volunteer pet care services for patients who are unable to care for their pets while receiving hospice care.
Learn more about palliative care in this video from the New Hampshire Comprehensive Cancer Collaboration.
Basic Elements of Hospice Care
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Care of the client and family as one unit
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Pain and symptom management
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24-hour staff availability
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Medical and nursing care
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Social services
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Coordination of medications, medical supplies and durable medical equipment
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Physical, occupational and speech therapy
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Specially trained hospice volunteer support
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care provides in-home care to someone who is facing a serious, life-limiting illness, and who needs help managing their pain or other symptoms. Palliative care is offered by a specially trained inter-disciplinary clinical team that is skilled in symptom management.
Attention is focused on pain management and control of symptoms (such as shortness of breath, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping).
However, palliative care also includes a strong emphasis on educating clients and their families, and providing support and resources for them as they plan for their future.
Clients who qualify under skilled home care benefits are entitled to palliative care under Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurances.
Physician referral to hospice is necessary. Hospice is available to those who have a diagnosis of cancer and many other chronic terminal illnesses including lung disease, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, dementia, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions. The individual should have a desire to remain at home for end-of-life care and have family caregivers available.
The care is based primarily in the home, which encourages families to feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. Hospice staff makes regular visits to the individual at home, and are available on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis.
Most private insurances and managed care plans offer hospice benefits.The Medicare program offers an all-inclusive hospice care benefit to enrollees.