Hospice Care

When a physician has indicated that a patient is in the final stages of a terminal illness, hospice care provides for the patient’s physical, emotional, spiritual, social and cultural needs. The philosophy of hospice is to shift from medical treatments to focus on relieving pain and other symptoms. The caregivers’ goal is to enhance the quality of remaining life by keeping the patient as alert and comfortable as possible in a soothing environment surrounded by family and friends.

Though Saint Therese does not provided its own hospice services, trusted outside agencies minister this care to Saint Therese residents in need.

The hospice care team including physician and nurses, social workers, spiritual advisors, nursing assistants and trained volunteers tend to patients around the clock, with special ministering to loved ones to help them through the process.

Hospice services include:

• Medical attention with a focus on pain and symptom control
• Counseling and social support for the patient and loved ones
• Guidance with difficult issues
• Respite care for caregivers
• Volunteer support