The Hospice Care Team

The word hospice was originally use to describe a place of refuge for people on a difficult journey. Its current meaning is not that different today. When a patient takes on the journey in the later stages of life, it affects the entire family unit. Our care is designed to bring comfort and support to both the patient and the family.

Our staff asks what the patient's goals are, and how they would like to see these goals accomplished. Those goals form the foundation of our plan of care. To accomplish the goals, our entire care team works together.

Care Team

The hospice care team works with the attending physician to develop a plan to meet the patient's needs. One of our specially trained registered nurses will serve as the RN Case Manager. The case manager has expertise in managing complex symptoms as illness progresses. He or she stays in contact with the patient and family and all of the other members of the care team.

The first team member most people meet is one of the Admissions Nurses. They will meet to answer questions and to discuss how hospice can help. If hospice is the right choice, they talk with the patient and family about their needs.

Our Medical Directors are physicians who are board-certified in providing "palliative" (comfort) care. They work with the patient, the family, the attending physician and the entire hospice care team. They are available to serve as the primary physician, if needed, or as a consultant for the attending physician and patient.

Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) assist with personal care and daily activities, such as bathing, personal hygiene and dressing. These services are based on each patient's needs and goals.

Social Workers/Counselors provide emotional support and help identify and locate additional community resources, as needed. They provide emotional support through counseling, education and information.

Chaplains are a special part of HLC's care. They can provide spiritual care or help connect the patient and family with other spiritual resources in the community. They bring a listening ear, gentle counsel and support that reflect each person's spiritual beliefs and needs.

Music Therapy offers musical favorites that bring back memories and offer comfort. Voice and instrument can help relieve stress. The use of music to bring comfort is a unique type of care offered by HLC.

Massage Therapy provides relief on an emotional and physical level by reducing pain related to stress and muscle tension.

Volunteers are at the heart of hospice care. Their companionship and assistance are here for the patient and family. Our trained volunteers can provide respite while a caregiver runs errands, be a companion, assist with transportation, or help with a meal. Volunteers are available during the day, evenings or weekends.

Grief Counselors bring support and counsel to those who are grieving the death of a loved one. HLC has counselors for all ages, and offers:

Individual and family counseling
Support groups
Phone support
Education and support in schools and the workplace
Literature and a resource library

Special Therapies include dietitians, speech therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists. The RN Case Manager works with each patient to assess what therapies are appropriate.