What Is Hospice In The Nursing Home?

Hospice does not take the place of care provided by the nursing home staff, but rather adds to that care. Hospice team members are experienced in dealing with the pain and suffering of terminal illness.

Some persons who could benefit from Hospice Care are not able to be cared for in their homes. Family members may be frail or elderly, or there may be no family close by.

The Joliet Area Community Hospice program has carefully selected several leading nursing homes in the community where hospice patients may stay on a long term basis. Hospice Care provides services above and beyond the usual services of these selected nursing facilities.

Admission Criteria

The resident has a serious and progressive illness with a limited life expectancy.

The resident/family is aware of his or her condition, is no longer pursuing treatment for a cure, and accepts the philosophy of hospice as supportive care.

The resident's physician gives approval for admission into the hospice program.

Hospice Services

Hospice provides coordinated services of professionals and trained volunteers who supplement the nursing home staff.

RN visits for pain and symptom management.

Personal care by hospice home health aides to supplement care by nursing home personnel.

Family counseling.

Pastoral care.

Trained volunteers are companions.

Bereavement counseling/support for family members during the resident's illness and 13 months following death.

Medicare-Medicaid certified.

Hospice...dedicated to the care of the terminally ill.

Hospice team members are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for consultation. The hospice bereavement program is available to provide counseling and support for the family for up to 13 months after the death of a loved one.

When we receive a call from the nursing home staff, the physician, or the family, a hospice staff member makes a visit to discuss hospice with the patient and family and the nursing home staff. If everyone agrees that hospice is appropriate, then the patient is admitted to the hospice program. The nursing home staff and the hospice team work together with the patient and the family to develop a plan of care.

Anyone may call the Joliet Area Community Hospice for information of a referral. We will be glad to make proper contacts.

For information or referrals call the Joliet Area Community Hospice at 815-740-4104.