What is Hospice?
The program is designed to help meet the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the terminally ill during the final phase of their illness. The program includes the patient's family and continues supportive services through the first year following a death and longer if needed.
When does a patient enter the program?
A person is accepted into the program when the diagnosis of a terminal illness is confirmed, curative therapies are no longer effective, and the individual, family and physician understand and request the service.
How does the patient enter the program?
Patients are usually referred by a physician or family member. Approval of the patient's physician is always required. The Hospice social worker and nurse then visit the home to assess the nursing and other services needed and describe the Hospice services available to the patient and family. If all agree that Hospice is an appropriate and desired service, a written care plan for the patient and family is prepared. Our hospice services are also available to terminally ill patients in extended care facilities (nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted living).
Specific Services
Morgantown Hospice offers coordination and supervision of the care including: nursing care, on-call availability of a registered nurse 24 hours a day, on call availability of an MSW 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies, medical social services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutritional therapy, music therapy, pet assisted activities, speech therapy, volunteer services, spiritual care and bereavement follow-up for 13 months.
Who Provides Care?
An interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, certificed nursing assistants, counselors and volunteers provide care to relieve symptoms such as pain, other physical discomfort and emotional stress. The services are under the supervision of the Hospice Medical Director.
What is the Morgantown Hospice Philosophy?
People should have the opportunity to live their remaining days with dignity and as fully, alertly and comfortably as possible.
Morgantown Hospice Goals
- To help the patient live as fully as possible
- To support the family as the unit of care
- To reduce the cost of terminal illness
- To supplement and cooperate with existing services
- To educate health professionals and lay people about Hospice
If you have any questions about Hospice services, or if you would like to volunteer or make a contribution, please call Morgantown Hospice at (304) 285-2777.