Family members sometimes have concerns about their own ability to care for a seriously ill loved one at home. Please be assured that your Harry Hynes Hospice team will make regularly scheduled visits and support you as they explain and demonstrate techniques that allow you to become a more capable and confident caregiver.
After signing onto hospice, the first week will likely be the busiest – getting equipment in place and meeting the hospice team. Team members visiting may include your nurse, hospice health aide, social worker, and chaplain. Volunteers may also visit for comfort and companionship for your loved one.
When members of your team begin visiting, please know they are there to help take care of the patient and family, not to take over. They will stabilize the patient’s pain and symptoms as needed, and evaluate for medical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Visits from hospice team members will be scheduled according to the plan of care, so you know whom to expect and when. Your team of skilled and knowledgeable healthcare experts will be available to help the patient and family as they navigate a serious illness. They will also be available to answer questions or find answers for you. We encourage you to ask whatever is on your mind.
Your hospice team will be in continual communication with the patient’s physician and/or the hospice physician to discuss the patient’s medical history, current physical symptoms, goals of care, and preferences. This will assist your team in maintaining a personalized and updated plan of care that addresses the needs, goals and traditions of the patient and family.
As everyone’s journey is unique, none of us can say for certain exactly what’s to come. However, we can say the moments remaining hold many opportunities to share memories, make amends, deepen relationships, express love and hope, and simply be together.
Our goal is that you find comfort in knowing Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice will be with you every step of the way, bringing hope for a fulfilling life, even as the journey nears completion
