Friends Hospice provides the following services:

· Home hospice care

· Counseling, referral and information

· Education and Community Events

 

Home Hospice Care

Friends Hospice provides specialized care that meets the needs and desires of people living with terminal illness and those who care for them. Hospice provides the information, expertise and added care needed to have the highest quality of life possible. It is meant to allow someone to live as fully and comfortably as possible before they die. Hospice care focuses not only on the person who is living with the illness but also on their family – however they define it – and provides support that continues through the illness and after. Hospice care is most often provided in the home; whether home is a private residence, a group home, a nursing facility or another place of shelter. Hospice is not about dying, it’s about how you live – in comfort and with dignity.

Each person and family is visited by hospice team members who work with the person and family to determine what they need to live as comfortably and as well as they can. Team members are nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. They may also be therapists and counselors. The team works with the person’s doctor or the hospice doctor to make sure they have the medication, supplies and equipment they need. Hospice pays for all services related to the illness. The hospice does not take over care from the family. We provide the additional expertise, information and care that is needed as the journey progresses.

Who would be eligible for services? 

Any person, and their family, who is living with a terminal illness; is no longer receiving or does not desire aggressive, curative treatment; and lives within a one hour normal travel time from our inner-city offices would be eligible for our care. This is regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.

 

Counseling, referral and information

Individuals and families who are making or considering decisions about end-of-life choices and care often need assistance. Friends Hospice is glad to provide appropriate counseling and information to families in need. Information services are provided free of charge to individuals and families. These services are available by phone or, within our service area, in person.

 

Education and Community Events

Education about end-of-life choices and care is part of the mission of Friends Hospice.  Communities are best served if they are educated about their choices and can make informed decisions.

Educational presentations are available for congregations, community groups and community service agencies. Presentations may range from one hour presentations to 2 hour, 4 hour or full day workshops. A number of end-of-life topics are available including:

· End--of life Choices and Decision Making

· It’s About How You Live - Maximizing Quality of Life

· What is Hospice Care

· Caregiving

· Caring for Friends and Family at End-of-Life

Organizations that can are asked to donate the costs of the program and materials.

Services