Hospice of St Francis has been serving the needs of the terminally ill and their families since 1977. Hospice care traditionally provides professional staff and volunteers who work with the patient and family or caregivers to allow the patient to remain at home and as free from symptoms as possible. Patients are encouraged to be involved in decisions about their own treatment plan. Services Nurses are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their ability to provide skilled care, in combination with other members of the interdisciplinary team, allows hospice to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and family Features of care provided by the hospice team include nursing, social work and home health aide visits.
Care is coordinated with the patient's physician.
Individual and family counseling, volunteer services, homemaker assistance and bereavement support are also available Hospice can also provide medial equipment, respite, and in many cases, medications for symptom control. Care can be provided in the home of the patient, caregiver or wherever the patient resides. Horizons Horizons is a community outreach program designed to assist patients and families who face a life-limiting illness but are not ready for hospice care. Medical social workers provide emotional support with special emphasis on coping. Monies realized through donations and fund raising activities ensure that services are available regardless of a patient's ability to pay.