Hospice

Hospice: The Interdisciplinary Team

July 16th, 2007
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Team Work

Many people think the only reason someone should be on hospice is for pain control. However, hospice has several services to offer patients and their families. Hospice care is interdisciplinary and focuses on all aspects of a person’s being. There is not just one individual who attends to a patient, but a team of highly trained professionals who specialize in several different areas of care. These professionals assist patients with their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

Who Is Part of the Hospice Team?

The hospice team consists of, but is not limited to, physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, counselors, home health aides and volunteers. The physicians can be a source of reference and write prescriptions when needed. Nurses make visits to administer medications, provide comfort, and maintain well-being. Social workers can answer questions, help with end-of-life preparations, and address any concerns. Chaplains offer spiritual support for those seeking guidance. Home health aides help with personal care and hygiene. Although these team members have specific duties, they all work together to ensure the patient receives quality care.

Hospice also has a bereavement counselor who attends to the need of the patient’s family members and provides support during the grieving process. The bereavement counselor maintains contact with family and friends by sending cards, making phone calls, and making personal visits. This support is provided for at least one year after the death of the patient, and longer when necessary.

Volunteers are one of the most important components of a hospice team. These people donate their time, energy, and skills to help care for hospice patients. They can provide comfort, companionship, and contribute to a patient’s quality of life. These volunteers receive training and are always ready to offer an extra set of hands.

Without the experience, expertise and knowledge of the interdisciplinary team of professionals, hospice care would not be possible. This is a special team of people whose top priority is providing end-of-life care for those struggling with end-of-life issues.

Spreading the Word—

April Smith

Posted in Hospice, Hospice & Palliative Care, Hospice Care, Hospice: April Smith

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COMMENTS
3 Responses to “Hospice: The Interdisciplinary Team”
  1. xander Says:

    whose job is it to take care of the burial preparation? is it the social worker’s job?

  2. April Smith Says:

    Dear xander,

    The social worker or chaplain can assist with funeral planning. They will be as active as you need them to be. The funeral home will more than likely handle the preparation, but the hospice social worker, chaplain and the bereavement counselor are always there to help in any way they can.

    April Smith

  3. The Hospice Team Says:

    […] The Gibert Guide Blog has a great article, called Hospice: The Interdisciplinary Team that explains what hospice is, and, how all the involved professionals assist patients with their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. […]

  4. Hospice: How Chaplains Help | Gilbert Guide Blog Says:

    […] Hospice patients and their family members have many wonderful services available to them under the auspices of hospice care. One of these services is spiritual counseling, provided by a chaplain from the hospice’s interdisciplinary team. Hospice chaplains offer spiritual guidance and support and are committed to working with the terminally ill. What are the Rules? Every hospice has a chaplain who can assist with spiritual needs. Some people think they must be religious or practice within a particular denomination to request a visit with a chaplain, but that’s not true. There are no requirements. Hospice chaplains come from various religious backgrounds, but they will provide support regardless of your religious affiliation. What are “Spiritual Services”? Spiritual services encompass a lot. In addition to support, guidance and counseling, they can include prayer and worship services as well as rituals and traditions that honor your faith. Hospice chaplains counsel patients and their families with regard to spiritual concerns. Many patients who take advantage of the spiritual services provided through hospice find that the chaplain helps them gain a better perspective, alleviating some of their depression and stress. Others consider their spirituality very private and are not comfortable discussing such matters with loved ones. In these instances, a chaplain can provide an outlet for needed conversation about end-of-life concerns. What Should I Expect When I Request Spiritual Guidance? Hospice chaplains visit patients in their home when a visit has been requested. Some patients may need to ask for forgiveness while others question God’s reasoning for their illness, and so on. This is when a chaplain can help most. Hospice chaplains are experienced to deal with these types of situations and can provide relief to the patient and family members who are struggling to cope with the terminal diagnosis. One thing patients should always expect with hospice, regardless of their spiritual choices, is that they maintain control over their own care. A hospice chaplain should never pressure patients into medical care that they do not want.  No matter what their personal religious beliefs, hospice chaplains are trained to respect patients’ personal values and wishes. Are Chaplain Visits Required in Hospice Care? Patients aren’t required to see a chaplain. Engaging spiritual services is optional. It is a personal choice, and patients can change their mind at any time. Many patients decide against it initially, and later realize it’s something they could benefit from and choose to take advantage the service.   […]

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