Changes in Hospice Program Bring Better Care
Home Health United has consolidated its hospice staff to better serve patients and families at the end of life. Previously, nurses, home health aides, and social workers cared for both home health and hospice patients. Now a designated hospice team provides care to hospice patients exclusively.
"This structure allows for more frequent patient visits," said Denise Gloede, RN, HHU - Hospice program director. "We are focusing on aggressive symptom management and maximizing patient comfort."
Social workers and spirituals counselors are also actively involved in providing emotional, social, and spiritual support. In addition, hospice aides, volunteers and medical directors assist in meeting the needs of patients and families.
These teams meet together every two weeks to discuss each patient. The hospice team members communicate constantly on patient and family issues. Centralized administration is located in Baraboo. Hospice staff will continue to work from offices in Portage, Reedsburg and Prairie du Sac serving patients and families in a 10-county area.
"Our nurses and staff are very knowledgeable in both home health and hospice," said Janet Bollig, HHU social services manager. "Our goal is to develop an even better knowledge base and better practice." Dedicated hospice staff will receive special training and have specific clinical expertise in hospice philosophy and practice.
Patients who have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less are eligible for hospice services generally covered by Medicare and other insurances. Hospice support allows people to remain in their place of residence and staff are on call 24 hours a day seven days a week.
"If you or someone you know may be eligible for hospice call us for a free informational visit," Gloede suggested. "When a patient is referred they can be admitted the same day."
"Our goal is to exceed the expectation of our patients, families and partners by offering exceptional care and support," said Gloede. "It is an honor for Home Health United-Hospice to provide care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses in our local communities."