End of Life Care | ballou archive

Services

Hospice

Compassion & Caring

Hospice Care

Our compassionate care team is sensitive to a resident’s specialized hospice needs. Our goal is to keep the resident comfortable and pain-free while, at the same time, supporting their emotional, and spiritual needs. The hospice team includes a primary care nurse, social worker, physician, and pastor. We realize that this can be a difficult time for family, so our support extends to the family, as well. We keep the family informed and our care-team is available to answer any questions. We, also, involve the family in any decision that has to be made regarding their loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Hospice?

As part of determining eligibility, the doctors (primary care physician and Hospice doctor) must first evaluate the patient for pain and symptom management, counsel the patient on hospice and any other options available to him or her and advise the patient on advanced care planning. It’s important to note, however, that a person who shows marked improvement throughout hospice may exit hospice at any time. Likewise, any patient who decides to re-visit the possibility of curative measures can do so at any time.

What Is the Difference Between Palliative and Hospice Care?

While the objective of both hospice and palliative care is pain and symptom relief, the prognosis and goals of care tend to be different. Hospice is comfort care without curative intent; the patient no longer has curative options or has chosen not to pursue treatment because the side effects outweigh the benefits. Palliative care is comfort care with or without curative intent.

What kinds of support services are given to the family?

Hospice programs help family members understand, prepare for, and support each other. With sound medical advice, hospice helps families make the choices that are right for them.