One of the distinct benefits of hospice care is that while it does focus on the patient, it is designed to assist their loved ones as well. There is special emphasis on providing support for families and caregivers.
At Heart to Heart Hospice, a big part of our mission is caring for the loved ones of our patients. That means helping to reduce stress, ease fears, and create positive memories as you travel this journey together.
Because every family situation is unique, your caregiver support will be tailored to meet your needs.
We are here to guide, encourage and help make this time together and this transition as peaceful as possible:
- Nurses provide support by helping to educate families and caregivers on how to assist in the care of their loved one and what to expect over time.
- Staff use of the proprietary Heart to Heart Patient and Family Handbook to teach caregiver what to expect. The handbook remains at home for ongoing education and review.
- An electronic version of the Patient and Family Handbook can be emailed to family members wanting to learn more about hospice care and the dying process.
- Heart to Heart provides the patient and caregiver with a Self-Assessment Pain & Symptom Journal to document symptom changes, medication administration use of medical supplies and equipment to relieve symptoms
- Hospice Aides assist with activities of daily living, providing companionship and emotional support for both patients and their family members.
- Social Workers help family members deal with a range of issues, such as communication, conflict resolution, or other stressful situations. They can also coordinate available community resources and assist with non-medical matters, including finances, planning, insurance benefits and other end-of-life concerns.
- Spiritual Care Coordinators provide spiritual support for the whole family, guiding everyone through tough end-of-life questions and decisions, while helping to restore relationships.
- Volunteers provide companionship and support and may even assist with simple caregiving responsibilities or household chores.
- Bereavement Coordinators help prepare the family for the different phases and situations involved in the end-of-life process.
- Patients and Caregivers use the Heart to Heart proprietary Memory Journal to capture family stories, memories, or last wishes.