The amount of financial and legal decisions you are faced with as a loved one comes to the end of life can be overwhelming. In addition, families may also seek spiritual support to guide them through this transition. Hospice has a team of experts who can help.

Treating body and soul.

For many, death is not just a physical transformation but a spiritual one as well. Patients and families often find comfort in their faith, and in the spirit of treating the whole person, hospice provides chaplain services at any time along their journey should the family need it. In addition, a social worker visits periodically and can assist with a variety of concerns, including financial stress, advance care planning, ethical questions regarding care plans, paperwork for out of hospital DNR orders, funeral arrangements, and much more. Together, the physician(s), nurse, aide, social worker, and chaplain all work as a team (in our case, in partnership with Autumn Leaves care staff) to keep the family informed along the way. And most importantly, they’re available any time. The comfort and assurance they provide is well worth its weight in gold. The comprehensive team effort in caring for the person no doubt improves precious quality time the family can spend with their loved one.

In our next post, you’ll learn what signs to look for and when it may be time to call hospice. Click to continue reading –>

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To read this entire series, follow the links below:

Part 1 – History of hospice
Part 2 – Hospice today
Part 3 – Treating body and soul
Part 4 – When is it time to call hospice
Part 5 – Choosing a hospice provider