Hospice Care is considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for men, women and children facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the client's needs and wishes. At the center of hospice and palliative care is the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so.

Typically, a family member serves as the primary caregiver and, when appropriate, helps make decisions for the terminally ill individual. Members of the hospice staff make regular visits to assess the patient and provide additional care or other services.

The Heart Touch™ program for those living in Hospice Care focuses on compassion and caring, not curing. In most cases, care is provided in the patient's home.

The Hospice team develops a care plan that meets each client's individual needs for pain management and symptom control. The team usually consists of: The patient' s personal physician; Hospice physician (or medical director); Nurses; Home health aides; Social workers; Clergy or other counselors; Trained volunteers; and Speech, physical, and occupational therapists, if needed.

Our professionally trained volunteers play a valuable role in the Hospice team assigned to each individual client and their family. We provide much needed comfort and care through the delivery of Compassionate Touch therapy.