Hospice

Hospice is a special kind of care designed to provide sensitivity and support for people in the final phase of a terminal illness. Hospice care seeks to enable patients to carry on a pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality at home or in a home-like setting.

  According to the National Hospice Foundation, 80 percent of Americans said their wish is to die at home. Hospice allows you to do just that, with comfort and dignity among beloved family and friends.

Who may benefit from hospice?
What type of services does hospice provide?
How is hospice paid for?
What bereavement services are available?
How do I contact hospice for more information?
How do I contact the Medcenter One Foundation?
How do I become a hospice volunteer?
How does 24-hour staff availability work?

Who may benefit from hospice?
Any individual who has an illness that has become end-stage may be eligible to receive hospice care. Such diseases may include but are not limited to:

What types of services does hospice provide?

•	Hospice nurses—Primary nurses will be assigned to coordinate your care. The nurse will schedule intermittent visits to your home based on your needs. The role of the nurse is ot help prevent and relieve pain and other symptoms.
•	Physician services—Your care will be directed by your physician. The hospice medical director will also assist to direct your care as needed.
•	Social worker—Facing a serious illness can be a time of tremendous pain and confusion for an individual and his/her family. A social worker is available to help you and your family.
•	Therapy services—At times, therapy services are provided as part of a patient's hospice care. The goal of therapy is to improve comfort, safety and quality of life.
•	Certified nurse aides— Home care aides can assist you with activities of daily living and are coordinated by the primary nurse to meet your personal care needs.
•	Volunteers—Patient care volunteers receive hospice training to better understand your needs. Volunteers perform a variety of services to provide support for you and your family, including the sharing of hobbies, reading, running errands or simple companionship.
•	Spiritual care coordinator—Our hospice spiritual care coordinator is available to meet with you upon request to provide spiritual guidance without imposing his or her personal beliefs. The coordinator can also help with funeral/memorial planning.
•	Bereavement services—Hospice staff is trained to provide support for you and your family during illness and for up to one year after the death of a loved one, or longer if needed.

How is hospice paid for?
We accept payment for services from Medicare, Medicaid, Worker's Compensation, private insurance or private pay. For most services, there is no cost to you if you are an eligible benficiary for Medicare or Medicaid.

What bereavement services are available?
Grief and bereavement services are available for one year, or longer if needed, after the death of a loved one. Written materials will be provided to you and your family to help with coping during this time of grief. Education and support groups are available. Bereavement visits can also be made by hospice professionals.

Good Grief is a free program for children, young adults and adults who have experienced grief after the death of a significant person in their lives. The program offers an environment combining education and support to facilitate the grief work necessary to promote healing. Sessions are held twice a year on five consecutive Mondays in the evening. Separate sessions are held for children grades one through three, four through six, young adults and adults. To register, call the Women's Health Center at 323.6376.

One Light to Remember is a memorial tree lighting ceremony held every November at Medcenter One, in honor or memory of a loved one. This event is open to the public. For more information, call Medcenter One Home Health and Hospice at 323.8400.

How do I contact hospice for more information?
Call our office at 701.323.8400 and request to speak with a nursing supervisor.

How do I contact the Medcenter One Foundation?
Visit medcenterone.com/foundation/index.htm or call the office at 323.8450.

How do I become a hospice volunteer?
Application

How does 24-hour staff availability work?
If a concern or an emergency comes up at any time of day, at least one member of Medcenter One's hospice team can be reached by a telephone number previously given to the recipient or the recipient's family. If the situation cannot be resolved over the phone, the staff member will visit the home. All on-call staff members are licensed and certified to work in a hospice environment.