In cooperation with Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County and Waldo County General Hospital, we provide support and care for persons with advanced illnesses and their families so that they might live as fully and as comfortably as possible. Fortunately, care and comfort are available in Waldo County for terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice patients may be referred by anyone. A call to Waldo County Home Healthcare Services is all that is necessary for a family to discuss the hospice benefit with a home health nurse. Admission is based on a physician's diagnosis of a terminal illness of less than six months duration and the patient's willingness to accept palliative care, recognizing that they will no longer receive curative treatment unless it provides comfort and relief of symptoms.
Hospice builds on a family-centered team approach.
The care-giving team includes a physician, nurse, social worker, home health aide, specially trained volunteers and a pastoral counselor. Together with the patient and family, they formulate a plan of care which includes medications for pain control, necessary medical equipment and comfort or support services as personal care, emotional support and homemaking services. Hospice care takes place primarily in the home, where patients and families are usually most comfortable. Eighty percent of the care, in fact, must take place in the home. Twenty percent of the services may be provided by Waldo County General Hospital, where a dedicated area designed to meet the special needs of hospice patients and their families is available for respite care, symptom management and terminal care.