River Region Hospice :: In the Home

In the Home

Through education and support, those facing serious illness are empowered to remain in their home as well as maintain independence. Whether “home” is a residence, a nursing home, or an assisted living facility, the interdisciplinary hospice team develops and implements an individualized care plan promoting individuals’ strengths while circumventing obstacles. When drafting such a care plan, continuity-of-care is of great importance. Therefore, each patient is assigned a nurse, nurse’s aide, social worker, chaplain, dietitian, and physician that follows them throughout their affiliation with us.

The interdisciplinary team providing services in the home include:

Medical Director - The medical director is the physician overseeing the care of each hospice beneficiary. Our physicians remain involved in the care of the patients throughout the hospice journey. An individualized treatment regimen is created that meets and honors the specific needs and goals of each hospice recipient. The physician orders all medications, equipment, and supplies for care. When needed, the physician or nurse practitioner schedules a home visit. The hospice physician is available 24-hours a day for care consults with nursing staff.
Registered Nurse – The role of the registered nurse case manager is to assess, monitor vital signs, educate, support, and order the medications or equipment required. Routine visits are scheduled. However, the hospice recipient will have 24-hour a day access to our nursing staff for urgent matters by contacting the Hospice House.
Nursing Assistant – The gems of River Region Hospice are our team of certified nursing assistants. Highly trained and compassionate, our nursing assistants tend to the hygiene needs of the patient. These special visits are based on necessity and are scheduled at the family’s convenience.
Social Worker – The social worker addresses the social and emotional needs of each patient and family. Assistance with making final arrangements, securing a safe home environment, and creating advanced directives is available upon request. These trained psychotherapists also provide emotional support, supportive counseling, grief counseling, and reflective listening. Social services are elective allowing the patient and caregiver to choose the social worker’s level of involvement.
Chaplain – The chaplain addresses spiritual needs throughout the hospice journey. Chaplain services range from providing guided meditation and teaching relaxation techniques to linking the patient with the religious leader of their choice. The chaplain is also available to pray with the patient or family.
Volunteer - River Region Hospice offers extensive training adequately preparing our volunteers to meet the needs of hospice recipients. Volunteers perform many functions for those receiving services in the home.
Dietitian - Our dietitian is available for consultation and assessment.
Hospice Pharmacy - The hospice pharmacy delivers hospice-related medications to the home and at the convenience of the patient.
Hospice Durable Medical Equipment Provider - The hospice durable medical equipment provider delivers hospice-related medical equipment directly to the home and at the convenience of the patient.