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What Is Hospice? | How Does Hospice Work? | Who Will Take Care of Me?
Why Should I Consider Hospice? | When Is It Time for Hospice?

Who Will Take Care of Me?
No one wants to be alone through a difficult time, so at HWC we work closely with the individual and family/friends support system to develop an individualized plan of care that is right for them. This can only be accomplished by a team, along with the family/friends support system, and not by any one health care professional.

• Primary Care Physician-your primary care physician will write an order for you to receive hospice services through HWC. He/she will remain a vital part of the team, often through the hospice nurse that visits. Patients, who are able, may make routine visits to the physician as they would normally do.
• HWC Medical Director-this physician oversees the treatment of the hospice team provides and offers suggestions that may be beneficial to the patient and/or staff for improved quality of life. The medical director may consult with the primary care physician for certain circumstances and is available to the hospice team for assistance with problem-solving.
• Hospice Nurse-coordinates the individualized care plan and provides specialized hospice care (comfort) to the individual. He/she makes visits based upon the individual needs and at any time a nurse is available to assist with an emergent need 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 301-791-6360.
• Social Worker-provide emotional support, counseling and community resource support services. He/she works closely with the family/friends support system assisting as needed to help ensure they maintain as healthy of well-being as possible during these times.
• Certified Nursing Assistant-assists with personal care and light housekeeping services. Since they often have more frequent visits, their continual dialog with the team is vital.
• Chaplain-assists in providing spiritual care to the individual and their family/friends support system. HWC is a not a denominational organization, however we do recognize the spiritual needs that some may have regarding the end of life’s journey.
• Bereavement Counselor-supports the individual and family/friends support system through the dying process. Supportive counseling is offered during the delivery of hospice services and after the death for the family/friends support system. Community members that were not associated with HWC for hospice services are welcomed to join any of our grief support events or Healing Hearts programs. [click here to view]
• Volunteer-community members often want to share their talents or time with individuals and family/friends support system. Companion volunteers receive education that allows them the skills to provide a variety of services. In addition to companion volunteers, some donate their skills such as massage therapy, hairstyling, music therapy to offer comfort and peace. [click here to learn more about our volunteer program]
• Ancillary Staff & Therapists-dieticians can counsel individuals and family/friends support systems about nutritional needs. Physical, occupational and speech therapists can work to accomplish specific goals to enhance an individual’s quality of life.
• Pharmacist-works with the HWC team to ensure the appropriate monitoring, supervision and timeliness of medication management.

To learn more about hospice services through HWC or to make a referral, please call us anytime at 301-791-6360 or during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm, online [click here].