Where can you turn when taking care of a loved one with a serious illness?
At Hospice Alliance, we know that being a caregiver for a loved one is never easy. Even if you have a background in health care or are simply helping care of someone in good health, the dedication and responsibility can be challenging and exhausting.
But, when the time comes to care for a loved one facing end-of-life, we understand that the physical, emotional and even spiritual commitment can sometimes be overwhelming – for everyone involved: the patient, the primary caregiver and family and friends offering support.
That’s where we can help! Even before a patient is admitted to Hospice Alliance, our staff of admission RNs or one of our social workers can visit with the possible patient and his or her loved ones to offer a consultation about our services and an evaluation of the patient’s health and medical history to determine eligibility for hospice care. During this time, our nurses often offer ideas and suggestions for both the present and the future, and recommend the next steps specifically for the patient and caregiver.
Following admission, a team of Hospice Alliance professionals become available. A medical director is available to consult with your primary physician or specialists…or assist as your attending physician, if you do not have one available. Additionally, an RN case manager, social worker, chaplain and certified nursing assistant, all under the leadership of an RN Circle of Care Manager will work with the patient and caregiver to put together a Care Plan specific to the patient, the caregiver and their needs – as identified by the patient.
Throughout the time of service, the Care Plan can morph and evolve. No need for the services of chaplain because of a strong relationship with a pastor, rabbi or other spiritual leader? You can just pass on those services. Does the caregiver need a few hours of respite to run some errands or attend a family event? We simply add the need for a volunteer to the Care Plan.
Perhaps most importantly, Hospice Alliance offers the flexibility of the Hospice House. If there comes a time when the patient’s needs are greater than the caregiver can provide, the team will evaluate if our Hospice House is an option. The Hospice House is available to provide 24/7 residential care. This allows the patient to be in a homelike environment, with the caregiver being involved as much or as little as he or she wishes. The Hospice House is the only one of its kind in the area.
And after the loss of your loved one, Hospice Alliance is still here to assist. Our bereavement team offers extensive support opportunities from checking in with a caregiver via phone or note to individual sessions with our grief specialists. Hospice Alliance also offers group support opportunities, open not only to loved ones of patients, but to anyone in the community. Plus, many friendships have formed from our informal social support groups, monthly lunch outings, organized by volunteers for family members to meet and chat.
At Hospice Alliance, we are here to help. From making the decision to receive hospice care through the difficult last days – and forever after, patients and their families become a part of Hospice Alliance.
Hospice Alliance complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex