Hospice care is provided to patients and their families by an interdisciplinary team of professionals and volunteers in partnership with the patient's physician. Specialized end of life care is provided at home or in a home-like setting such as nursing home or assisted living facilities.

Under the physician's direction, the hospice team specializes in pain and symptom management, emotional, and spiritual support. The team assists the patients and families to make the most of life.

Hospice services are designed to meet the needs of persons facing the end of life. A team of professionals and volunteers provide:

• Expertise in pain and symptom management
• Emotional and spiritual support in coping with a life-limiting illness
• Assistance with personal care and light housekeeping
• Care designed specifically to meet the unique needs of each individual patient and family
• 24 hours / 7 days a week on call availability
• Bereavement support to assist families in coping with the loss of their loved one

The Hospice team

• Strives for excellence in achieving the goals of comfort and quality of life for each patient and family

Nurses provide expertise in pain management, symptom control and supportive care.

Social workers help relieve emotional and social pain of patients and families as they face end-of-life issues.

Family clergy or hospice chaplain may be a resource and facilitator for the spiritual guidance, prayer, and rituals according to the patient's beliefs and wishes.

Home health aides provide personal care including bathing and some light housekeeping.

Hospice volunteer services can become trusted friends and companions for patients and families. They are available to visit, do a variety of chores, or simply sit with patients who do not want to be alone. Volunteers provide emotional support and help maintain a normalcy and quality of life for the family. Hospice volunteers are trained by Hospice of Siouxland.

Bereavement coordinators help families cope with the changes and adjustments that follow a death. Through hospice care, counseling for individuals and families is available as well as support groups for people of all ages.