Hospice
| When comfort and supportive care are needed for terminally ill patients and their family. |
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North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Phone: 336-903-7700 Fax: 336-903-7770 |
| HOSPICE is a special way of caring for terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice allows the patient to remain at home as long as possible while continuing to receive care. The staff concentrates on relieving pain and other symptoms that often accompany a terminal illness. Physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support are provided to the patient and family. Hospice tries to help patients have physical and emotional comfort so they can stay active as long as they are able and live life as fully as possible. The Hospice program also offers many free counseling services and support groups for all ages to help members of the Wilkes and surrounding counties deal with issues of grief and loss. |
Rather than staying in a hospital or nursing home, Hospice offers the choice of remaining at home, a choice one would not ordinarily have. Being in familiar surroundings with loved ones helps reduce stress. The family is directly involved in decision making. Whenever possible, Hospice encourages patients to make their own decisions about care. The feeling of being in control helps a patient maintain dignity and can help patients and families draw closer together. The Hospice team is trained and experienced in comfort care and pain control. Our goal is to maintain constant pain control, with minimum sedation. Hospice wants patients to have physical and emotional comfort, helping them to stay active as long as possible.
Services
- Scheduled visits by registered nurses for nurses evaluations
- Instruction in caring for patients
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Assistance with personal care (taking a bath, shaving, etc.)
- Assistance from a Social Worker
- Referrals to other community services
- Volunteer Support
- Visits by a Chaplain
- Physical, occupational or speech therapy
- Assistance from a nutritionist
- Support groups
- Funeral Planning
- Grief Counseling
- Emotional support for patients and families
Hospice Does Not...
- Hospice does not take over the care of the patient. The patient and family remain in control and make the decisions. Hospice is available to provide assistance and support.
- Hospice does not give curative treatments or life prolonging measures.
- Hospice cannot deliver or pick up medications.
- Hospice does not provide sitter services or transportation.
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| Hospice is a department of Wilkes Regional Medical Center, and is a non-profit agency. Medicare and Medicaid billing is available, and many private insurance companies cover Hospice services. Other sources of funding include United Way donations, community contributions and individual memorials and donations. No one is denied Hospice care because they are unable to pay. |
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