The
Primary Caregiver
In order to provide proper care for a seriously ill person,
it is important to have at least one responsible adult available
at all times. This person may have to be with the patient 24
hours a day, or share the responsibility with another adult.
Some patients may not require 24-hour supervision in the beginning.
The person who is responsible for the patient is called the
Primary Caregiver and he/she is the most important team member.
It is a recommendation of Heritage Hospice that someone be available
to give or coordinate the care.
The
Primary Physician
Because your Primary Physician is best acquainted with you and
the details of your illness, (s)he will continue to direct your
care. Your doctor will be kept informed about your condition,
will aid in symptom control, and will prescribe medications
as needed.
The
Hospice Medical Director
The Hospice Medical Director is responsible for the overall
medical supervision of Hospice care. The patient's own physician
retains the primary responsibility for patient care. the Medical
Director acts as liaison to other physicians in the community
and may be called on to participate in educational activities.
The
Hospice Nurse
The Nurse provides skilled nursing care in the home. The frequency
of visits will be adjusted according to need. The nurse will
answer any questions about medications, nutrition, pain and
other physical symptoms. (S)he will develop a plan of action
with you in case of problems.
The Hospice Nurse has experience in helping deal with serious
illness and is problems. Whether you need physical care, pain
control, emotional support, or teaching about your illness,
the nurse assigned to you will provide that care.
The
Social Worker
As a clinical professional, the social worker can provide counseling
to assist in improving family communications, to help deal with
stress associated with being a Hospice patient, caregiver or
family member, or to discuss fears and feelings related to such
stressors. The social worker can also assist with problems related
to insurance and financial concerns. The hospice social worker
is available to talk to each member of the family individually
or can meet with them as a group. The social worker may meet
regularly with some patients and families, while others may
receive this service on an "as needed" basis.
The
Certified Nursing Assistant
When patients need help with personal care, certified home health
aides, who are trained to care for sick or bedridden people
in their homes, are available. For approximately 1 hour, 3 days
a week, the aide will bathe, dress, lift, turn, feed the patient,
and change linens as needed. The caregiver may use this time
to run errands or just take a break, knowing that the aide's
job is to make the patient comfortable. This type of care often
makes the difference in whether or not families feel they can
care for their loved one at home.
The
Pastoral Counselor
Because hospice responds to the whole person, pastoral care
services are available. When patients have strong ties to their
own church or synagogue, the chaplain contacts people in their
own congregation to help meet their spiritual needs. If a patient
who is not affiliated with a particular church requests spiritual
counseling, the chaplain arranges for this service in the home.
Hospice is interdenominational and has access to clergy of all
faiths to provide pastoral care.
The
Hospice Volunteer
Hospice Volunteers undergo special training. They are special
people who provide support services to hospice patients and
their caregivers. Some duties include visiting and talking with
caregivers with errands. Volunteers are important members of
the hospice team. Volunteer activities are coordinated by the
Volunteer Coordinator.
