Hospice care is a family-centered approach that includes, at a minimum, a collaborative team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and trained volunteers. Care and services are provided based on assessed physical, psychological and spiritual needs as well as patient and family choices. Hospice team members will visit the patient on a pre-arranged schedule in addition to visits requested by the patient or family as circumstances change.
Below is a list of services available to Medicare hospice recipients:
- Physician oversight for the medical direction of the patient’s care and home visits as needed
- Specialized palliative care as needed to control pain and symptoms, i.e., physical therapy, palliative radiation treatment, etc.
- Dietary counseling
- Regular home visits by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses
- Hospice aides for hands-on personal care and hygiene services such as dressing and bathing
- Social work and counseling
- Chaplains for spiritual support
- Assistance with planning and accessing community resources
- Volunteer support to assist patients and loved ones
- Bereavement counseling and support for families
- All medications for symptom control and pain relief
- Medical supplies such as bandages and catheters
- Medical equipment such as hospital beds and oxygen
