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. Wherever the patient and family are served, support is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The Hospital offers in-patient hospice care. In 1992, Waldo County General Hospital became the first in Maine to offer a dedicated in-patient program for hospice patients and families. Two home-like patient rooms, an overnight guest room and a comfortable family room to provide a private, supportive, compassionate setting for patients and families dealing with end of life issues.
Respite care is available in the home on a limited basis and in the hospital for up to five days.
Hospice acknowledges and supports the need for family members to take care of their own personal needs or to take a break from patient care activities. The social workers are professionally trained to provide counseling and emotional support. At the request of the patient and family, the pastoral care coordinator will provide direct counseling or coordinate visits by the spiritual care person of choice. Volunteers provide a wide range of services including short respite care for the family, friendly support and anything a good neighbor would do. Family and friends are offered comfort throughout the grieving process and for the year following the death of a loved one.