Hospice

Hospice care is a type of healthcare focused on providing comfort and support to individuals with serious illnesses who are nearing the end of their lives. It aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The term hospice is frequently misunderstood to mean that death is imminent. On the contrary, hospice focuses on quality of life by honoring the wishes of patients and their families and easing distress at the end of life.

Confluence Health offers a comprehensive hospice program that is tailored to the unique needs of every individual based on what is most important to them. Our staff have obtained certification and specialty training in hospice and palliative care to deliver the highest quality care to those we serve.

A Team Approach

Hospice care at Confluence Health is delivered by a team approach consisting of:

• Medical Care: Focused on pain and symptom management rather than curative treatment. This can include visits from hospice doctors and regular visits from hospice nurses.
• Personal Care: Hospice aides provide assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and grooming.
• Emotional and Spiritual Support: Counseling and support from social workers and hospice chaplains for patients and their families.
• Therapy Services: Physical and occupational therapy to help maintain quality of life.
• Medical Equipment and Supplies: Provision of necessary medical equipment like hospital beds, wheelchairs and medications related to a terminal illness.
• Respite Care: Temporary relief for primary caregivers for up to five days, allowing them to rest while the patient is cared for in a hospice facility.
• General Inpatient Care: When symptoms are difficult to manage at home, inpatient care allows hospice to continue in a hospital until the patient is well enough to return home.
• Bereavement Support: Grief counseling and support for family members after a patient's passing.
• Volunteer Support: Although our volunteers do not provide direct patient care, they can provide companionship, assistance with errands, and respite for caregivers.
• After-Hours Support: Triage nurses are available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Helpful Links

• Medicare.gov:Find and compare hospice providers near you.
• Confluence Health Foundation:Your gift to the Confluence Health Foundation is a perfect way to honor a family member, friend or mentor, or to express your gratitude for the exceptional care that a loved one received at Confluence Health.