PATIENTS, FAMILY & CAREGIVERS

About Hospice & LMHPCO - 50 min. Audio (9 MB): Download: MP3 | QuickTime

Hospice services are available to patients with life-threatening illnesses who can no longer benefit from curative treatment and usually have life expectancies of six months or less, as determined by a physician. Hospice services typically include:

• Physician services for the medical direction of the patient' s care, provided by either the patient' s personal physician or a physician affiliated with a hospice program;

• Regular home care visits by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to monitor the patient' s condition and to provide appropriate care and maintain patient comfort;

• Home health aide and homemaker services attending to the patient' s personal  needs;

• Chaplain services for the patient and/or loved ones, if desired;

• Social work and counseling services;

• Bereavement counseling to help patients and their loved ones with grief and loss;

• Medical equipment (i.e., hospital beds);

• Medical supplies (i.e., bandages and catheters);

• Drugs for symptom control and pain relief;

• Volunteer support to assist loved ones;

• Physical, speech, and occupational therapy; and

• Dietary counseling.

In this section of our site, you'll find extensive information on how to select a hospice, what you can expect, and where to find care in your area.