What is the Hospice Program?
Hospice Care is comfort care provided for patients who have a life limiting illness and prognosis of 6 months or less. Hospice for Wright County is a Medicare certified agency which provides coverage for:
♦ Volunteer services
♦ Nursing care
♦ Medical equipment and supplies
♦ Short term inpatient and respite care
♦ Drugs for symptom management and pain relief
♦ Homemaker and home health aide services
♦ Social Work
♦ Physical and other therapies
Private insurance companies may have a Hospice benefit that will also cover these services. Hospice will provide care for those who cannot pay by using money raised from community or from memorial gifts.
Hospice Facts
Care and support is centered around the patient and entire family, rather than the illness. Emphasis is on comfort and the quality of life.
Care will be provided where the family, patient, and physician choose: Home, hospital or nursing home.
The patient and family receive attention to physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
Care is guided by the physician and coordinated by an Interdisciplinary Team including health care professionals, clergy and trained volunteers.
Patients and families are considered an integral part of the Team, assisting in the decision making process.
Visits from volunteers and other Team members will be on a regularly scheduled basis and as needed.
Gives help and support to the patient and family on a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week basis.
Care continues after the death of the patient, supporting the family through the mourning process.
Who can become a volunteer?
Any person who cares. Volunteers of all ages are key to the success of the program. Men, women, and young people are needed. No special skills are required - only a capacity to give of your love and your time.
How many hours does each volunteer need to give?
That is up to the volunteer. No specific number of hours is required.
Do volunteers receive training?
Yes, volunteers are required to attend ab 18 hour training course, free of charge.
History of Hospice for Wright County
The Eagle Grove Area Hospice started in 1984 when a group of Eagle Grove area citizens, under the direction of Concerned Inc., formed the first volunteer Hospice in Wright County. In January 1993, Hospice for Wright County was formed as a cooperative effort between Community Memorial Hospital of Clarion, and Belmond Community Hospital. With the approval of the Eagle Grove Area Hospice Board of Directors, the two programs were consolidated in May 1993.
Referals:
Referrals may come from:
Physicians
Hospital personnell or other professional agencies, nurses, social workers, clergy
Self
Family and friends
