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Services
The Hospice Team
An accomplished team of professionals including physicians, nurses, social
workers, chaplains, bereavement staff, nursing assistants and volunteers
provide all hospice services under the direction of a physician.
Primary Physician and the Hospice Medical Director
Once the physician states there is no more treatment available to cure the
disease and that life expectancy is limited, the physician remains responsible
and involved in the patient's care. The only difference is that the hospice
team is now involved and helps guide the care the patient/family.
RN Case Manager
Each patient's assigned a RN case manager who coordinate care and handles
any nursing needs. The nurse helps prevent and relieve pain and other symptoms.
They teach caregivers ways to provide care. The nurse makes certain that
necessary medical supplies and equipment are ordered. They assist in monitoring
medications and ensure that physicians are aware of the patient's status
and that orders are followed.
Social Worker
To help the patient and family handle emotions and challenges, a social
worker is assigned.
Services that may be provided by the social worker include:
- Offering emotional support, counseling, and guidance to the patient
and family in coping with stress related to the illness.
- Identifying community resources that are available.
- Assisting the patient / family with planning for funeral arrangements,
nursing home placement, etc.
- Providing information about Living Wills and/or Durable Power of Attorney
for Health Care.
Hospice Nursing Assistant
Hospice Nursing Assistant services are provided under the supervision of
a Registered Nurse to patients who have a need for personal care on a part-time
basis. Our Hospice Nursing Assistants have had experience in caring for
people in need & have been carefully chosen to provide care for the patients
of this agency. These staff members assist with the patient's personal care,
which may include bathing, hair care, shaving, skin care, linen changes
and straightening the patient's immediate surroundings.
Chaplain
Hospice spiritual care is based on a high respect for the patients' and
caregivers' beliefs. The Hospice chaplain does not impose his/her personal
belief systems or seek to change the beliefs of others, but leads people
gently and lovingly to discover answers to their own spiritual questions.
Chaplains often serve as a liaison between families and their religious
community. Chaplains also often assist with memorial services and funeral
arrangements.
Volunteers
A vital part of Hospice of Central Georgia is the carefully selected, well-trained
volunteers working alongside the professional staff. These special individuals
provide many different types of support for the Hospice program & those
coping with terminal illness, grief and loss. They are good listeners, nonjudgmental,
adaptable and desire to reach out with love and concern to others.
Patient/Family Care Volunteers provide emotional support and companionship
to the patient/family, and respite care for the caregiver. These volunteers
help patients/families cope with stress involved with the illness. They
receive specialized training with continuing education provided, to ensure
that they are adequately prepared for this special kind of caring.
Bereavement Care Volunteers provide support to those who have survived the
loss of a loved-one. They understand grief and assist the survivor in coping
and adjusting to a new life. Training and continuing grief education are
required for Bereavement Care Volunteers
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