Hospice care is a special philosophy of care that emphasizes the importance of quality of life for the terminally ill. Hospice encompasses medical, emotional, social and spiritual support — and in Cleveland, Ohio, patients can choose hospice care at home, receiving the services they need wherever they currently live.
In hospice, care is provided to the entire family, not just the individual with the terminal illness. Once a loved one decides to accept hospice services, a group of people will come together to create a well-rounded team. The collaborative hospice care team puts effort into easing symptoms, providing comfort and bringing meaning to the final stage of life. Here, the professionals at Suncrest Hospice of Cleveland discuss the roles and responsibilities of each team member.
Attending Physician
Everyone who enters hospice chooses an attending physician, and this person can be the patient’s regular doctor or a hospice physician. In any case, their duties include:
- Certifying the patient’s terminal illness and limited life expectancy
- Assessing the patient’s needs and prescribing appropriate treatments
- Assisting with the plan of care and supervising the provision of services
Medical Director
Hospice medical directors are responsible for ensuring that the appropriate care is provided to each patient. As for what they do, their work typically involves:
- Co-certifying the patient’s diagnosis and prognosis with the attending physician
- Identifying opportunities to improve the delivery of care in the home setting
- Leading the hospice care team and assuring continuity of professional services
Registered Nurses
In hospice, registered nurses see to it that patients and their loved ones have the care, comfort and support they need. Ensuring overall care, their responsibilities include:
- Developing the plan of care to meet all identified needs of those involved
- Working to ease the patient’s pain and keep symptoms under control
- Providing caregiver training and, when needed, in-home crisis care
Hospice Therapists
Specialized therapies can be rather rewarding to those in need, and a number of professional therapists, including the following, may join the hospice care team:
- Physical and occupational therapists to help with comfort and functional ability
- Massage therapists who use gentle techniques to soothe the body and mind
- Music and pet therapists who enhance mood, bring fun and provide support
Speech-Language Pathologists
When communication is compromised or impaired, a critical tool for understanding patient needs and preferences is disrupted. Speech-language pathologists help by:
- Developing strategies to support the patient’s decision-making ability
- Finding ways to help the patient and family maintain social closeness
- Assisting with swallowing difficulties to promote eating satisfaction
Social Workers
Hospice social workers provide counseling, practical support and care to patients and their loved ones. Acting as family advocates, they take on a variety of duties, such as:
- Helping everyone work through the complex emotions that arise at the end of life
- Serving as a point of contact between the family and the hospice care team
- Assisting with social challenges and providing referrals to community services
Hospice Chaplains
Chaplains in hospice care have a high respect for all religious beliefs, and they assist patients and families without preaching or passing judgment. The work involves:
- Regularly visiting and providing a shoulder to lean on for spiritual concerns
- Having thought-provoking conversations about the end of life and what it means
- Joining in mindfulness exercises, prayer, meditation or other requested rituals
Hospice Aides
At some Cleveland hospice agencies — like Suncrest — certified nursing assistants serve as hospice aides. Their day-to-day work may involve a range of doings, including:
- Helping patients with bathing, dressing, feeding and other personal care tasks
- Managing symptoms and providing emotional support to help ensure comfort
- Preparing meals, doing the laundry and completing light housekeeping duties
Bereavement Coordinator
Dealing with grief can be quite challenging. Bereavement coordinators offer support at the start and for up to 13 months after a patient’s death. They assist families by:
- Providing grief information along with in-person and over-the phone guidance
- Connecting families with grief support groups in the Cleveland area
- Assisting with memorial service planning and commemorative activities
Hospice Volunteers
Volunteers are vital members of the hospice care team. They’re well-trained and thoroughly vetted, and they support patients and families in many ways, such as:
- Bringing companionship and forming connections through fun activities
- Providing respite to caregivers, allowing them to take a much-needed break
- Doing all they can to help hospice patients achieve their bucket-list goals
Family Caregivers
While members of the hospice care team visit on a regular basis, members of the family are tasked with meeting the patient’s everyday needs. Their responsibilities include:
- Managing medications, monitoring symptoms and providing physical care
- Handling the shopping, cleaning and other necessary tasks and errands
- Helping their loved one enjoy their favorite activities for as long as possible
Do You Have Questions About Hospice Care?
As a go-to Cleveland hospice agency, Suncrest is always here to help. We’d be happy to provide you with answers and information, and if a loved one is ready for hospice care, you can count on us to be comforting in their time of need. For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact our office in Cleveland, Ohio, today.
