Hospice Services
We Face Your Serious Illness Together
We know you may be feeling unsure, confused and frightened. We can help you—or someone you love—feel comfortable and safe. We begin by listening and answering your questions. We ask you what you want—what we could do to help you make today the best day possible. We take it one day at a time. We know that your experience is personal—and so is our care.
The hospice team supports the patient’s primary caregiver—a family member or friend—offering a compassionate presence during this meaningful time. Team members work together to meet the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families.
Services include:
- Our physicians work with the patient’s doctors
- Nurses manage the care of the patients by providing nursing care, ordering medications, durable medical equipment (DME), and supplies, and pain/symptom control.
- Certified Nursing Assistants (also known as nurses’ aides) help the patient with bathing, personal care, grooming and comfort.
- Social workers address legal, financial and emotional issues.
- Chaplains, if requested, talk about spiritual concerns.
- Volunteers keep the patient company while family caregivers take a break or run errands.
- Bereavement or grief counselors assist the family after the death with one-on-one counseling or support groups, if desired.
- Supportive therapies including: physical, art, music, massage, Reiki, occupational, speech, dietary and pet therapy, are integrated into the care plan to supplement care.
- Continuous crisis care is available if needed.
- Insurance and Medicare billing services are provided through our finance department.
- Criminal background checks are completed on all staff and volunteers.
Services fully covered under Medicare & Medicaid; most commercial insurance plans accepted.
The frequency of visits by the hospice care team is discussed with you based on a variety of factors and needs of the family.
WE COME TO YOU.
We care for our patients wherever they call home.
We provide care in various settings. Whether in your own home, a skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility, inpatient unit or a hospital, we will provide superior medical attention and compassionate support. If a patient requires care outside of their personal residence, an admissions nurse can provide you with a list of long-term care, assisted living and senior living communities that partner with Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois.
| In-Home | Most hospice patients choose to be cared for in the comfort of their own homes, if possible. The members of the hospice care team will conduct visits and provide care at the home, and educate the patient’s caregivers on providing continuity of care between visits. |
| Skilled Nursing Facility or Assisted Living Facility | Many of our hospice patients live in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities where visits by our hospice teams are arranged just as they are for our patients living in private residences. Our hospice team works with staff of each facility to create and implement a plan of care. |
| Hospice Care in Hospitals | Patients who are extremely ill may receive hospice care in a hospital setting. Our hospice team works with hospital staff to ensure each patient’s comfort. When our patient’s condition changes, our hospice team works with a hospital discharge-planner to transfer the patient and create a plan of care in an appropriate setting. |
| The Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois Inpatient Units | Our Inpatient Units provide 24-hour care to patients who need special care and assistance in managing their symptoms. |
