Hospice of St. Mary's cares for the whole person and their family as one unit. Hospice supports the patient and family- assisting them in meeting their goals for end-of-life care. Hospice support includes:

• Hospice Medical Director reviews, coordinates and oversees the management of medical care for all patients in the hospice program.
• Patient's Attending Physician continues to provide initial and ongoing medical services to the patient.
• Registered Nurses provide sophisticated pain and symptom management and caregiver education. The RN coordinates the provision of medical equipment, supplies and medications.
• Nurses are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions, offer advice and make personal visits
• Medical Social Workers assist families in identifying their personal and community resources and developing support networks to aid in coping with a life-limiting illness.
• Hospice Aides, under the supervision of the Hospice RN, provide patients with personal care and assistance as needed with the activities of daily living.
• Therapists provide additional types of therapy such as physical, occupational, speech and respiratory, when medically indicated.
• Complementary therapies such as music therapy, Reiki, and massage offered to meet the needs of patients.
• Hospice provides all medications related to the hospice diagnosis and needed to provide comfort.
• Trained volunteers offer assistance with the activities of daily living and friendly support, companionship and encouragement to patients and family members.
• Durable Medical Equipment needed to keep the patient safe and comfortable- including hospital beds, oxygen, walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs etc.
• Continuous care provided in the home (by RNs and aides) during periods of medical crisis as necessary to maintain the patient at home.
• Acute short term in-patient care provided for any symptoms that cannot be managed at home.
• Hospice Chaplains provide counseling or will arrange for counseling to meet the spiritual needs of patients and families in a manner consistent with their beliefs and desires.
• Bereavement care provided to hospice families for 13 months following the death of their loved one. Bereavement care is offered to any in our community who have suffered a loss.