Hospice care is a holistic approach to the final chapter of life, one that encompasses medical, emotional, and social support. Services can be provided at a private Virginia Beach home or wherever a terminally ill person resides – and despite being focused on patient comfort, hospice care offers support for the whole family, not just the individual with the illness.
To bring meaning and fulfillment to the end-of-life journey, while meeting the needs of a terminally ill individual and providing their loved ones with assistance, takes a collaborative effort. As such, hospice agencies engage a group of specially trained professionals – the interdisciplinary care team – in looking after patients and families.
Who are the members of the interdisciplinary hospice team? What role does each person serve? Here’s a guide to the people who provide care to hospice patients in Virginia Beach.
Hospice Physicians
Individuals who enter hospice are put in the care of an attending physician, who is tasked with managing the symptoms of the patient’s terminal illness and any related conditions. Hospice physicians assist in developing the plan of care, prescribe appropriate medications and supervise the implementation of hospice services. When available, a patient’s primary care doctor may also be part of the interdisciplinary team.
Hospice Nurses
Hospice nurses are responsible for the overall care of the terminally ill individuals they serve and, as such, one of their duties is to formulate a plan to address the needs of each patient. Assessing symptoms, arranging for medical equipment, providing hands-on skilled nursing care, training family caregivers, and ensuring patients have an adequate supply of medication are among the many other jobs of a hospice nurse.
Hospice Social Workers
Dealing with a terminal diagnosis and a limited life expectancy is incredibly stressful, and hospice social workers are skilled in helping patients and their loved ones cope with difficult emotions. They also coordinate the care of hospice patients, acting as a link between team members. And when families have non-medical concerns or need information on community resources, a social worker is the professional to call.
Hospice Chaplains
Virginia Beach hospice patients and families of all faith backgrounds work with chaplains to find peace and fulfillment in the end-of-life journey. Chaplains assist with spiritual issues and provide mental comfort, offering guidance without preaching or making any judgments. Chaplains are also available for grief counseling and assistance in arranging a funeral or memorial service after a patient’s death.
Hospice Aides
Certified nursing assistants take on the role of hospice aide, assisting patients with day-to-day personal care needs. Their duties may involve bathing, dressing, feeding, and grooming, and aides might also help with light housekeeping tasks. For individuals who are more independent, hospice aides frequently provide companionship. And when a patient’s needs change, aides are ready to assist with a variety of tasks.
Hospice Therapists
Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists work with hospice patients to overcome obstacles in the enjoyment of meaningful activities. Complementary therapies — like music, art, pet, and massage – can also be helpful in alleviating pain, anxiety, and other distressing symptoms. With all that therapists do, terminally ill individuals are often able to remain independent for a great deal longer.
Hospice Volunteers
Well-trained volunteers are valuable members of the interdisciplinary care team, as they provide support in a number of ways. Volunteers provide companionship to patients and give family caregivers a break, and their duties may include running errands, preparing meals, providing transportation, and assisting with home management tasks. Some volunteers also help with administrative or clerical tasks.
Bereavement Specialists
Grieving often begins with the first news of a terminal diagnosis and limited lifespan. For assistance with both anticipatory grief and the heartbreak that comes with the loss of a loved one, Virginia Beach hospice agencies offer the services of a compassionate bereavement specialist. Bereavement care, in the form of one-on-one visits and local support groups, is available for up to 13 months after the death of a patient.
Family Caregivers
The services of the hospice care team are meant to supplement the daily care provided by a patient’s loved ones. Family members and friends are given practical tips, strategies and advice before taking on the role, and it’s their responsibility to assist with personal hygiene, food preparation, and basic medical care as needed. Caregivers also inform the interdisciplinary team of the patient’s wishes and ever-changing needs.
How Often Do Members of the Hospice Care Team Visit?
While we’d love to provide an exact number of weekly visits for each member of the interdisciplinary care team, that’s really not possible as it depends upon the patient’s needs. What we can say, though, is that professionals visit on a regular basis – and terminally ill individuals who turn to Suncrest Hospice of Virginia Beach may enjoy more visits per week than the national average.
In addition, when questions or concerns arise – or for after-hours needs — patients and family caregivers can always get assistance. Most hospice agencies, including Suncrest, have a 24-hour nurse triage hotline for emergencies and can send a team member out immediately if necessary.
Do you have questions? Or would you like more information on hospice care in Virginia Beach? Either way, Suncrest is standing by – contact us today.
