HOSPICE CARE TEAM MEMBERS
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Spiritual Counselor A Spiritual Counselor has specialized training in spir- ituality, for any religion/world view, as well as end- of-life care. They are available to help with questions and concerns regarding your faith, ethical issues, or purpose in life; support your search for meaning and hope; assist with alleviating spiritual distress; read sacred and inspirational writings; pray with you and your family; address ceremonial or ritual needs; help with grief, suffering, and the many emotions that sur- round facing a terminal illness; and assist with funer- al/memorial services. To receive this support, please speak with a member of your Care Team. Music Therapist Music therapy interventions are designed to in- crease quality of life, and alleviate pain and other symptoms, which can relieve stress for patients and families. Music therapists use a variety of tech- niques, including imagery-work, live music interven- tions, song-writing, assisted relaxation, and verbal Members of the Grief Services Team are available to offer support throughout the transition toward the end of life and also to help navigate the grief process after a loss. For families with children and teens, a counselor who specializes in caring for grieving chil- dren and teens is also available. Volunteer processing/counseling. Grief Services Team A volunteer can become a member of your Care Team. Volunteers are selected based on similar inter- ests, hobbies, and geographic proximity. Volunteers are available to visit with you and your loved one on a scheduled basis for companionship, emotional sup- port, providing respite, and more. Four Seasons relies on a dedicated group of volun- teers to provide special services to our patients and families. They truly give from the heart and in doing
so, provide not only physical and emotional support to our patients, but peace of mind to family mem- bers. Many of our volunteers have had family or friends receive hospice care which makes them an invaluable member of your Care Team. Volunteers: • Receive extensive training classes • Are evaluated regularly • Are committed to maintaining your privacy • Adhere to our Mission and Values • Bring a great deal of life experience • Add quality of life to the patient’s journey What Volunteers Can Do for Patients & Families: • Companionship: socialization, friendly conversation, or a listening ear • Respite: staying with a patient while a caregiver runs errands or takes a break • Pet Therapy: bringing a registered pet to visit • Taking patient’s pet to be groomed • Transportation • Grocery Shopping and Errands • Letter Writing • Life Review: recording you or your family’s story on tape or video • Helping to organize paperwork • Helping to celebrate a special occasion • Helping with special requests The list is not inclusive of all the services that our Volunteers can provide. Let us know how we can make you and your loved one more comfortable. Other Care Team Members Your Care Team may contract with other qualified healthcare providers for services necessary for your optimal function and symptom management. These may include:
Caring for the Patient
BASIC CARE
Bathing
• During shower or bath time, provide privacy and warmth by partially covering the patient with a light towel or blanket and washing one small area at a time. • Make sure to wash face, hands, back, underarms and genitals at least once a day. • Wash the face first and work down to the feet. Genitals and buttocks are always last. • Be gentle when soaping, rinsing and drying the skin. • Apply moisturizing lotion to all areas, as it helps to protect the skin. • Take time to shave, comb, brush or style hair. Grooming can provide an emotional lift. • Your nurse will help arrange additional equipment to make bathing safe and more comfortable.
• Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. If dressing and undressing become more difficult, consider cutting old t-shirts and nightgowns down the back and sewing ties or velcro to make them easier to remove. Clothing that is tight, has but- tons, or has thick seams can injure the skin if the patient is in bed or in a chair most of the time. • A sponge bath in bed may become necessary when the patient has great difficulty getting to the tub or shower, or if slipping or falling are possi- ble. Ask your Care Team for instructions on giving sponge baths. • A hospice aide can come to help with the bathing and grooming.
Mouth Care & Cleaning
• Be sure the patient is in an upright position to prevent choking. • Moisten the mouth first with sips of water or a damp cloth. • Gently brush teeth and gums with a mild tooth- paste or small cloth wet with diluted mouthwash using a washcloth, towel, or bowl under the chin to help catch fluids. • If rinsing and spitting is difficult, use a washcloth, a “toothette” (disposable foam stick), or a gauze pad moistened with water or diluted mouthwash.
• If the patient wears dentures, remove and clean them after eating. Make sure to clean the mouth gently with a soft toothbrush or cloth before re- placing dentures. • For dry mouth, use ice chips, ice pops, or lollipops to suck on. Hard candy can be a choking hazard, so lollipops are preferred. A saliva substitute, an item found at most drug stores, may also be helpful. • Apply lip balm several times daily for chapped lips. If the patient is using oxygen, only use lip balms that do not have petroleum.
• Physical therapy • Speech therapy • Dietary consultant • Occupational therapy • Respiratory therapy
If your condition improves such that you cease to be eligible for hospice care, or your goals change, our Palliative Care team is available to help support you. Four Seasons also offers additional services such as Care Navigation and Home Care that can help support you and your loved one.
866.466.9734 • FourSeasonsCare.org
866.466.9734 • FourSeasonsCare.org
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